University of Waterloo names U of G executive as next president and vice-chancellor

Dr. Bill Rosehart in an undated photo from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Bill Rosehart, a three-time University of Waterloo graduate and academic leader, has been appointed the university’s next president and vice-chancellor.

His five-year term will begin on July 1.

Rosehart has more than two decades of senior leadership experience at major Canadian research universities. He was previously a provost, vice-president (academic) at the University of Guelph, as well as dean of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.

A UW alumnus with degrees in engineering, Rosehart said he is “excited to return to help build on that foundation” integrating academics with real-world experience. He also highlighted potential opportunities for the university in areas such as artificial intelligence, health and social innovation, climate resilience and the arts.

Rosehart’s appointment followed a search by the Presidential Nominating Committee, who consulted with UW faculty, staff, students and community partners.

“He is a collaborative relationship builder and a careful listener who brings integrity, respect and a deep appreciation for the people that make up a university — its faculty, staff and students,” Murray Gamble, chair of the Board of Governors, said in a media release. “As a three-time Waterloo graduate, he understands the ethos of our institution.”

The school touted Rosehart as a champion of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and Indigenous engagement, which he achieved in his previous roles by creating new curriculum pathways, leadership positions and partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Rosehart’s research on electrical energy systems has been included in numerous publications, and he holds fellowships at the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Institute of Canada and the Canadian Society for Senior Engineers.

The term for UW’s current president, Dr. Vivek Goel, ends on June 30. He welcomed Rosehart’s tenure as “the first Waterloo alumnus to serve as president” and praised his record of leadership and commitment to inclusivity.