Sophie Bouffard was installed as the University of Sudbury's new president and vice-chancellor Tuesday.
Although she's the educational institution's 15th president, she's the first woman to occupy the post.
Bouffard succeeds Pierre Zundel, who became Laurentian University's vice-president, academic and provost this past summer.
Since taking up the post Sept. 1, Bouffard has invested much of her time to listening and better understanding the needs of the university community.
“It is such a privilege for me to assume the position of President of this University, the oldest institution of its kind in the region with a proud bilingual and tri-cultural tradition, which truly speaks to me,” Bouffard said.
“My first goal is to hear the hopes and aspirations of our experienced team for our institution, so we can develop a unifying and supportive vision for the future of our university.”
Prior to this appointment, Bouffard was director and founder of La Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina.
An academic and a leader, Bouffard is familiar with current issues facing post-secondary institutions, and has a deep understanding of art and culture. She has researched topics related to identity, nordicity, minorities, Francophonie, and the role of art and culture in community development.
She also has a varied teaching experience and an extensive background in music, which includes adjudication and advisory experience.
“We are very pleased to have such a dynamic and well-suited woman to continue leading the University of Sudbury on a path of advancement to ensure quality education, while expanding the horizons on our culturally diverse mission and vision,” said Josée Forest-Niesing, president of the university’s Board of Regents.
The University of Sudbury has a bilingual and tri-cultural environment and a Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person.
As Northern Ontario’s longest-standing post-secondary institution and a member of the Laurentian University federation, it remains committed to a focus on a liberal arts education by providing courses in journalism (French only), folklore (French only), Religious Studies, Philosophy and Indigenous Studies.
Learn more at www.usudbury.ca.
