Laurentian University has announced the appointment of Malcolm M. Campbell as its new provost and vice-president, academic.
He assumes his new role effective Aug. 1.
Campbell, who comes to Laurentian from the University of Guelph, takes over from Brenda Brouwer, who was seconded from Queen’s University for the position as Laurentian University recovered from its 2021-2022 insolvency.
Laurentian University’s new president, Lynn Wells, also started her term at Laurentian April 1. Wells took over from Sheila Embleton, who, like Brouwer, was seconded from a Southern Ontario university, in her case York University, to fill the president’s role on an interim basis post-insolvency.
The university has actually had some trouble filling the provost’s role, and was forced to extend Brouwer’s term as interim provost beyond the initial expected period of 15 months.
“Laurentian University recognizes and is thankful for the extraordinary contributions of outgoing Interim provost and vice-president academic, Brenda Brouwer, who served in the role from January of 2023,” said a press release from the university.
“Please join us in welcoming Campbell to Laurentian University as he assumes his new role effective August 1, 2024.”
Campbell brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished academic career to his new role, where he will oversee academic affairs and provide leadership in advancing the development of the university's academic plan, said a press release from Laurentian.
At the University of Guelph, Campbell served as vice-president, research from 2015-2023. He has also spent time as a tenured faculty member at the University of Oxford, the University of Toronto, and the University of Guelph, where he originally obtained his PhD in Biochemistry. Throughout his career, Campbell has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and administration, making him an ideal candidate for this critical leadership position.
A story on Sudbury.com sister site GuelphToday.com said Campbell left the University of Guelph last summer for "personal reasons."
"The search committee was thoroughly impressed with Campbell's credentials and outstanding leadership,” said Lynn Wells, president and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University, in a press release.
“His dedication to fostering innovation and academic excellence aligns perfectly with our university's values and strategic goals. We were pleased to be able to find all of these exceptional qualities in a bilingual candidate. We are confident that Campbell will provide exceptional leadership in advancing our academic offerings and support the success of our students and faculty.”
“Throughout the search, I knew that our next provost would need to be an experienced leader who can engage with the Laurentian University community to continue with the important work of healing and recovery, all while positioning the institution for future strength and stability. Fortunately, that’s exactly who we’re getting.”
As provost and vice-president, academic, Campbell will work closely with the university community to enhance academic programs, promote research and scholarly activities, and foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to serve as Laurentian University’s next provost and vice-president academic at this critical point in time,” said Campbell.
“Laurentian is creating a powerful approach to navigate the future – one that embraces Indigenous ways of knowing and the unique strengths of Francophone culture – and one that delineates it from other universities.
“With a remarkable commitment to its tri-cultural, bilingual mandate; a strong history of creating positive regional impacts with global relevance; and a bold new strategic plan, Laurentian University is destined to be a north star to guide students, staff, and faculty to a brilliant future, I am enthusiastic about working for the Laurentian community to create bright futures for all.”
