Concordia’s likely leader doesn’t hold a grudge
Alan Shepard’s planned introduction to the Concordia student body and board was hijacked by striking students on Tuesday, but he’d like us to know he didn’t take it personally.
Shepard, the man the board of governors is recommending for the job of president and vice-chancellor, was in town this week to speak, but jeering and taunting students ruined the event.
Back at his job as provost and vice-president of academics at Ryerson University, he took part in a conference call on Friday “attended” by 705 participants.
He laid out his background, his qualifications and his thoughts on university education in the 21st century.
“Bonjour,” he said in halting French.
“A disembodied voice on a phone call is not my idea of an introduction, but unfortunately our meeting on Tuesday was interrupted. A number of Concordians have reached out to me and I want to say I didn’t take it in a personal way.
“Freedom of speech must be respected and these are difficult times in Quebec and Montreal right now. Tensions are high and it’s difficult to think straight,” Shepard said.
The candidate for the top job at Concordia said he has no problem reading French as he spent five years editing a bilingual publication, but he is committed to learning to speak French fluently, starting with immersion courses this summer.
Shepard touched on the tuition debate that has paralyzed many post-secondary institutions in the province, and said that debates about fees are not unique to Quebec.
“For a thousand years, university was reserved for the elite and the question of access, well ... this is a transformative moment, both exhilarating and bewildering,” he said.
Shepard had lived and taught in Virginia, Tex., – “I still miss Tex-mex food and the sunshine” – then Guelph, Ont. before moving to Toronto in 2007.
“I am deeply committed to teaching and I believe that teaching and research both matter to a university,” he said.
Shepard said the current crisis pitting the government against the students is gripping.
“It’s a fascinating time to watch the government grapple with accessibility. I’m worried and dismayed by the violence and I hope some kind of resolution comes soon.
“Concordia’s slogan is ‘dares to be different’ and I feel confident that Concordia has a bright future. Montreal is a powerhouse and a magnet for new ideas.
“I think education is a great engine of the 21st century in providing opportunities for people. Concordia has weathered some tough times and now is the time for the university to go forward.”