The University of Ottawa named a former federal cabinet minister, past ambassador to the United Nations and university alumnus as its next president and vice-chancellor yesterday.
Effective July 15, Allan Rock will succeed Gilles Patry as the school’s 29th president and vice-chancellor.
“I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been selected by the university community to lead this great institution,” said Rock.
“Canada’s university has a storied history, solid values and time-honoured traditions … I look forward to working closely with all members of the university community to continue to move the institution forward in a progressive, innovative and inclusive manner.”
The appointment was announced at a press conference yesterday after a search process that included consultation with the university community.
“With Allan Rock at the helm, we are confident the university is going to be led by a dynamic, experienced leader who is able to embrace both the current environment of the University of Ottawa and also play a major role in shaping its future direction,” said Marc Jolicur, chairman of the board of governors and the selection committee.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Rock is a three-time uOttawa graduate. He attended the old University of Ottawa high school and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts and an LLB.
He was a Liberal MP and served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Health, Minister of Industry and Minister of Infrastructure before becoming Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2004 to 2006.
He serves on the boards for the United Nations Association of Canada, the Trust Fund for War-Affected Children and Youth in Northern Uganda and Save the Children Canada and is a partner with Sutts Strosberg LLP in Windsor.
-tracey.tong@metronews.ca
