President Patrick Deane leaving McMaster June 30
After nine years at his post, Deane will become principal and vice-chancellor at Queen’s University on July 1, 2019
McMaster president Patrick Deane is leaving the university at the end of June.
Deane will become principal and vice-chancellor at Queen’s University July 1, McMaster announced on its Daily News website Monday.
The 61-year-old took over as McMaster president July 1, 2010, after serving as academic viceprincipal at Queen’s since 2005.
“When the offer came to come to Mac, that was irresistible,” he said. “I little expected that my career would go in the way of bringing me back to Queen’s.”
Deane said he has “absolutely loved” his time at Mac, but noted he was nearing the end of his second term as president.
“I think when you’re heading to the 10-year mark, you need to ask whether it is not perhaps in the interest of the institution for there to be a change in leadership,” he said. “And also for myself. I think I have a lot of energy still to give to the work, and I want to make sure I don’t settle into habitual ways of thinking and doing things.”
From his time at Mac, Deane said he is most proud of the university having achieved its highest ever standing in global and national research rankings; its commitment to community engagement; and the quality of learning and education at McMaster, which has been advanced by the MacPherson Institute.
“Mac’s a fabulously successful place, and I think that is the result of the work of many people, and I’m certainly going to miss it,” he said. “But I hope after I’m gone people will look at some of those changes and developments, particularly on the community engagement side, and think that it’s been a good nine years.”
Deane will continue serving as president until June 30 when current provost David Farrar will take over as acting president for up to one year. The acting appointment has been approved by the board, according to the Daily News post.
“On behalf of the entire McMaster community I want to thank Patrick for his stellar and dedicated service to the university,” said Paul Douglas, chair of the board of governors, in the post. “During his leadership, McMaster has significantly enhanced its reputation and standing both nationally and internationally. But while it has grown and expanded its influence, Patrick has made sure that the university has maintained the special qualities that have made McMaster a home to innovation and imagination.”
Deane took over as president in 2010 from Peter George, who died in April 2017. Prior to that, Deane served at Queen’s for five years, following four years as academic vice-president at the University of Winnipeg. He assumed the title of provost there when it was created in 2004.
At McMaster, the committee to recommend a new president is determined by the senate and the board. It is expected to be in place and ready to begin its work early in the new year.
At Queen’s, Deane will succeed Daniel Woolf as the university’s 21st principal and vice-chancellor. Deane’s appointment follows a search process launched earlier this year that saw candidates from across Canada and overseas assessed, according to a Queen’s Gazette post.