Mancuso Reappointed Provost, Vice-President (Academic)
April 18, 2008 - Campus Bulletin
Prof. Maureen Mancuso has been reappointed to a second five-year term as vice-president (academic). The announcement was made today by president Alastair Summerlee and approved this week by the Board of Governors.
"Prof. Mancuso has done an excellent job as provost, initiating and guiding the University through some crucial self-assessments to improve the quality of the learning experience," Summerlee says.
In particular, he applauded Mancuso for leading the integrated planning process, for initiating a re-examination of undergraduate learning, chairing the presidential task force on accessibility, and for creating the annual "Think Big" conferences that position Guelph as a university that promotes the thinking and sharing of big ideas and questions.
"It's difficult to take on tasks that question core assumptions and propose changes, but Maureen has tackled this charge with optimism and innovation," Summerlee says. He adds that feedback received from members of the University community also praised Mancuso for her academic leadership, planning skills and collaborative working style, among other things.
"The next few years will be crucial ones as we face many significant challenges and choices. I know Maureen will continue to demonstrate incredible leadership and foster a team that faces these challenges with determination and unity."
Mancuso's first term as provost ends March 2009, so the reappointment continues until 2014.
"Our well-deserved reputation is built on the strength of the faculty at Guelph," she says. "I am very appreciative of the support I have received from deans, faculty, students and staff; they make coming to work a joy, even during the challenging times. To constantly question whether we are approaching our mission in the right way can be sometimes sensitive and difficult, but I believe it's imperative to improving the operations and output of the University."
She also thanked her team in the provost's office. "None of what our office has accomplished would be possible without their dedication and commitment. I am indebted to them for their efforts and support."
Mancuso is the first woman at U of G to hold the position of provost. A political scientist, she earned a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University, a master’s degree from Carleton University and a D.Phil. from Nuffield College at Oxford University, where she was a British Council Fellow.
She served as chair of U of G’s Department of Political Science from 1996 to 2000 and was appointed associate vice-president (academic) in 2000.
