Two vice-president roles at Laurentian University have been filled.
Marie-Josée Berger has been appointed provost and vice-president, academics, and Tammy Eger has been appointed vice-president, research.
“We found two ideal candidates and I am very much looking forward to seeing their contributions at Laurentian over the years to come.” said Robert Haché, president and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University.
Berger has been in various leadership positions throughout academia for over 20 years. Most recently, she held the title of dean, School of Education, as well as associate vice-president of Continuing Education at Bishop’s University. Previously, she served as dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa.
A former professor at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, she also served the Ontario Ministry of Education in supporting the development of curriculum for elementary and secondary schools. She holds degrees from l’Université du Québec à Montréal and the University of Ottawa. She will begin her five-year renewable term on Aug. 1.
“Dr. Berger brings a wealth of experience to our institution, and we are fortunate to have her lead our academic mission,” said Haché in a press release. “Her leadership and vision both exceeded our expectations throughout the search process and we will greatly benefit from her appointment to this role. She is the ideal candidate and we are looking forward to having her join us in Sudbury.”
Eger is one of Laurentian’s most prolific researchers, having served as interim vice-president, research at Laurentian during the last six months, said the university. This appointment will allow Eger to continue to lead the research and innovation community at LU.
A full professor at Laurentian in the School of Human Kinetics, Eger was the inaugural research chair in Occupational Health and Safety with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (2015-2019). She is the co-founder of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health and co-developer of the first mobile occupational safety and health research lab in Ontario. She is also the author of more than 50 journal papers and 100 conferences abstracts. She began her five-year renewable term on July 1.
“Dr. Marie-Josée Berger is the ideal candidate for the position of provost and vice-president, Academic at Laurentian University,” said Amanda Schweinbenz, associate professor, School of Human Kinetics. “Dr. Berger has an extensive history of leadership in academia and a history of success helping institutions navigate through difficult decisions and fostering a collegial environment. Dr. Berger is a strong advocate for students and has worked to increase opportunities for Indigenous students and international students. Laurentian University is fortunate to have the opportunity to have Dr. Berger as part of our administrative team.”
The two appointments conclude international search processes which took place over the last year.
“The university would also like to thank Dr. Serge Demers, who has served admirably as interim vice-president, Academic, and provost, since July 2017. Dr. Demers will return to continue his mandate as registrar and secretary of senate.”
