New LU administrator anticipates joining 'dynamic team'

Denis Hurtubise was appointed Laurentian University's associate vice-president of academic and Francophone affairs by the university's board of governors June 20.

The appointment is effective as of July 1 for a five-year renewable term.

“Dr. Hurtubise is an academic leader with an inspiring vision of university education and a firm commitment to promoting the vitality of the Francophone culture,” said Laurentian University president Dominic Giroux, in a press release.

“We are delighted to have found a candidate with the experience, knowledge, acumen and personality we were looking for to lead the very important portfolio of Francophone Affairs at Laurentian.”

Hurtubise served as associate professor and later vice-president, Academic and Research at Saint-Paul University in Ottawa from 2000 to 2007, he was principally responsible for research services, marketing, international and library services and also directed the strategic plan 2007-2012.

As Dean of Studies at Université du Québec en Outaouais from 2007 to the end of 2011, he was responsible for the development and evaluation of numerous undergraduate and graduate programs.

Since January 2012, he has worked as a higher education consultant including for the network of Université du Québec on the intake and academic integration of international students at the undergraduate level in Quebec universities.

He holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theology from the University of Montreal, as well as a Ph.D. in Theology from Saint-Paul University/University of Ottawa.

Hurtubise began his career as Assistant Professor then Associate Professor at Saint-Paul University. He is the author of “Relire Whitehead – les concepts de Dieu dans Process and Reality” published in 2000 (Presses de l’Université Laval).

“I look forward to joining the dynamic team at Laurentian University and working with colleagues and community partners to continue to enhance French-language programs and services,” said Hurtubise, in a press release.

The appointment was unanimously recommended after an extensive national search by by a 13-member search committee composed of Board members, faculty, students and administrators, and unanimously endorsed by the University’s Senate.

Laurentian’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan outcome to establish Laurentian as a destination for Francophone and Immersion students from across Canada and targeted French-speaking countries is ambitious, and has been identified as requiring a fully dedicated senior academic administrator.

“Along with the rest of the Laurentian community, I wish Denis a warm welcome, and I look forward to working with him in the years to come,” said Laurentian’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Robert Kerr.