The president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa, Jacques Frémont, will remain at the helm of the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world for five more years.
The University’s Board of Governors voted to reappoint Frémont, whose term was scheduled to end June 30, 2021. The decision was made yesterday during the Board’s monthly meeting.
“Since assuming his position in July 2016, Jacques Frémont has shown all the leadership qualities required to skillfully run a large-scale university such as the University of Ottawa, which is part of Canada’s U15 group of institutions and ranks among the top universities in the world. It’s a privilege to be able to continue to benefit from his expertise beyond the end of his current term,” said Kathryn Butler Malette, chair of the Board of Governors.
Since his appointment, Frémont has managed to implement many initiatives that have allowed the University of Ottawa to consolidate its place among the world’s elite universities, continue developing its research section and soundly manage its fiscal situation in a challenging environment. “With the recent launch of Transformation 2030, the University’s new strategic plan, the president has a solid roadmap to build on our momentum,” said Butler Malette.
“I am very happy and indeed honoured by this vote of confidence from the members of the Board of Governors. Over the coming years, I will continue to strengthen the University’s place nationally and internationally, while still focusing on matters of mental health and diversity and inclusion, to make the University of Ottawa a model institution where students, professors and staff can achieve their full potential,” said Frémont.
The reappointment process for Frémont was launched a few months ago, in accordance with the Procedure for Selecting the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, which stipulates that the steps to reappoint an incumbent must begin 12 to 24 months prior to the end of his or her current term. Frémont’s second term leading the University of Ottawa will begin July 1, 2021 and end June 30, 2026.