The University of Guelph has appointed Dr. Bill Rosehart as the new provost and vice-president (academic) for a five-year term, effective August 1.
Rosehart comes to U of G from the University of Calgary, where he has served as professor since 2001 and gained significant leadership experience in several roles including deputy provost, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering for 11 years, associate head (undergraduate) of Electrical and Computer Engineering and inaugural associate director of the Energy and Environment minor within the Interdisciplinary Centre for Environmental Engineering.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Rosehart to U of G and to the role of provost,” said Dr. Charlotte Yates, president and vice-chancellor and chair of the search committee. “He demonstrates an impressive track record of improving the student experience and of supporting faculty and staff success as an engaged leader, clearly guided by values of indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion.”
For over 20 years, Rosehart has been a passionate advocate for engineering education. As dean, he was instrumental in achieving a significant increase in research funding, establishing new programs that expanded access to the engineering profession, improving the student experience leading to increased student retention and expanded student work placements and implementing indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
He also provided strategic direction and operation of the Schulich School of Engineering through significant reduction in provincial funding for post-secondary institutions in Alberta, ultimately achieving an increase to its net budget through strategic program expansions.
A well-established researcher in electrical engineering, Rosehart has published over 100 scholarly articles and received the 2024 APEGA Centennial Leadership Award in recognition of his continued leadership in the engineering profession and in the community.
Rosehart looks forward to building on U of G’s legacy and strengths.
“I am enthusiastic about being appointed to the role as provost and being able to leverage my passion for innovation and the transformative role universities play locally and internationally,” said Rosehart. “I’m confident that together, we can navigate the challenges facing U of G and turn them into opportunities for innovation and growth.”
As Rosehart is able to step into the role of provost as of August 1, immediately after current provost Dr. Gwen Chapman retires on July 31, Dr. Mazyar Fallah and Dr. Graham Holloway will no longer serve as interim provost and interim dean of the College of Biological Science, respectively.
“I want to thank both Fallah and Holloway for their willingness to serve as interim provost and interim dean. Their commitment to the University is deeply appreciated,” said Yates. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Chapman for her service to U of G as Provost and Vice President Academic, providing the utmost care to our students, staff and faculty. We all wish her the best on her leave and retirement.”