Law scholar and former dean to be next SFU president

Prof. Andrew Petter, constitutional law expert and former dean of the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, has been named president of Simon Fraser University for a five-year term, beginning Sept. 1.

 

Petter, who was appointed after an international search, has held many prominent and influential positions and earned awards and accolades over his 23-year association with UVic: as law professor since 1986; dean of law from 2001–2008; and MLA and provincial cabinet minister from 1991–2001, including stints as attorney-general and minister of advanced education.

 

As dean of law, Petter oversaw the establishment of an innovative new graduate law program and undertook significant Aboriginal initiatives including creation of a National Aboriginal Economic Development Chair and delivery of the Akitsiraq Law School in Nunavut. He also secured funding for major facilities upgrades, including a $5-million law library renovation.

 

“Andrew is a terrific choice for SFU,” says UVic President David Turpin. “He’s a renowned scholar and leader with outstanding accomplishments in the academic world and in public service. UVic and the faculty of law have benefitted from his leadership for many years. I now look forward to working closely together with him on the many opportunities and challenges for post-secondary education here in BC and across the country. His experience, vision and approach will be a valuable addition to the leadership of Canada’s universities.”

 

“Post-secondary education and research are crucial to meeting the economic, social and environmental challenges facing British Columbia and Canada,” says Petter. “I was honoured to be able to serve as dean of law at UVic, and I feel privileged to have been given this exciting new opportunity to make a further contribution in my life-long commitment to education and to the future of this province.”

 


Petter will take over from current SFU President Michael Stevenson in the fall.