President Cassels to finish role in 2020

Planning for a leadership transition

Dear colleagues:

I am writing to tell you that I recently informed the Board of Governors of my intention that the upcoming academic year will be my final one as president of the University of Victoria and that I will finish my time in the role a year from now, on June 30, 2020.

Choosing the right time to make this transition has not been easy, but I believe that the university is well positioned for the future with a talented, vibrant and diverse community. With the initiation of important new programs of teaching and research, student success initiatives, and major campus infrastructure renewal and development, we have together advanced UVic substantially and prepared it for an exciting new era.

On a personal note, having been a faculty member for nearly 40 years, and in a senior leadership role for more than half that time, I am enthusiastic to move to a new phase, starting with a return to my academic pursuits.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to make a contribution as president, and for the support that I have received in that role. I am also grateful to all of you for your contributions. I am proud of what we have achieved together and see great things ahead for UVic. My highest priorities over the coming year will be to ensure a smooth transition for our university and to continue the momentum towards our shared goals.

In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to work with you and I wish you all a great summer.

Regards,

Jamie Cassels, QC
President and Vice-Chancellor

Message from the Chair, UVic Board of Governors

Dear Members of the University of Victoria Community:

As he announced earlier this morning, President Jamie Cassels has decided to finish his time as president next year on June 30, 2020. Jamie is an exceptional president whose strong leadership has benefitted the university greatly during his presidency. Members of the Board of Governors look forward to working with him over the course of the next year on a variety of key initiatives, as I’m sure you do as well.

Facilitating a smooth transition to the president’s successor is a vital priority. Yesterday, the Board was informed that Dr. Valerie Kuehne will complete her tenure as Vice-President Academic and Provost at the end of her first term, which expires on June 30, 2020. Because of the critical relationship between the President and this member of his senior team, Jamie will not be initiating a search for Valerie’s successor and will leave this opportunity to our next President. Valerie is a dynamic and strong leader, with a long and deep commitment to UVic, and she has graciously agreed to remain in her role and support a successful transition.

This week the Board approved the President’s recommendation for an extension of Valerie’s term as Vice-President Academic and Provost to June 30, 2021, and is grateful for her willingness to continue to serve.

In the Fall, a search for Jamie’s successor will be initiated in accordance with the university’s Procedures for the Search, Appointment, or Reappointment of the President and Vice-Chancellor (Policy GV0300). The university community will be kept apprised of the search process through the University Secretary’s website.

In the meantime, I’m sure you join me in thanking Jamie and Valerie for all they continue to contribute to UVic.

Yours sincerely,

Beverly Van Ruyven
Chair, Board of Governors