Governing Council approves appointments to U of T leadership

President Meric Gertler has taken several steps to build the University of Toronto's senior administration team, with the announcement of five appointments and reappointments.  

Professor Cheryl Regehr is reappointed as vice-president and provost for a five-and-a-half year term effective January 1, 2015. Also effective January 1, 2015, Professor Bruce Kidd is appointed vice-president, University of Toronto and principal, University of Toronto Scarborough, for a three-and-a-half-year term. And Professor Vivek Goel  is appointed U of T’s new vice-president, research and innovation, for a five-year term, effective February 1, 2015. 

Governing Council also approved the re-appointment of David Palmer as vice-president, advancement, for a five-year term, effective January 1, 2015 and the appointment of Judith Wolfson in the newly-created role of vice-president, international, government and institutional relations, effective January 1, 2015 for an 18-month term. 

Regehr was initially appointed as vice-president and provost for a term beginning September 2, 2013 and continuing until February 28, 2015, or until the position was filled following the customary review process. During a relatively short period of time Regehr has successfully tackled a number of pressing matters and undertaken several new initiatives, including the development of a student mental health report.  

Kidd was appointed interim vice-president University of Toronto and principal, University of Toronto Scarborough in February. A former warden of Hart House and former dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Kidd is a former Olympian and an officer of the Order of Canada, and has authored or edited 10 books and hundreds of articles, reports, plays and scripts on sports and culture. 

The appointment of the vice-president, research and innovation marks the return of Goel to U of T. A former provost of U of T, Goel also served as acting president of the University during the transition between Interim President Frank Iacobucci and incoming President David Naylor. In 2008 he was named the founding president and chief executive officer of Public Health Ontario.  He is currently chief academic strategist with Coursera, a global platform that connects universities and learners with online courses.  

Palmer, currently serving his second term as vice-president, advancement, has led the highly-successful Boundless campaign, which is more than three-quarters towards the goal of raising $2 billion dollars for a broad range of programs, initiatives and capital projects. His continued leadership will ensure the campaign maintains its tremendous momentum.

As vice-president, international, government and institutional relations, Wolfson will continue to further the University's efforts in growing international activities, partnerships and profile – a core priority for President Gertler. Her portfolio will also build on the University's vitally important relationships with government and other institutions.