Recognizing UTM's 60th anniversary
In 2027, alongside U of T’s bicentennial, UTM will recognize sixty years since our founding as Erindale College.
Celebrating Rhonda McEwen, incoming President at the University of Victoria
I’m writing to congratulate Rhonda McEwen, professor at UTM’s institute of communication, culture, information, and technology, on her appointment as president of the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
Welcoming new leadership in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Appointment of William Gough as VP, Academic and Dean
We are pleased to announce that the Agenda Committee of Academic Board has approved the appointment of Professor William Gough as Vice-Principal, Academic, and Dean at University of Toronto Mississauga for a five-year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.
More on the appointment of William Gough as VP, Academic and Dean
Thank you Deborah Brown
I’m writing to announce that Deborah Brown, our chief administrative officer, has decided to step down from her role effective 6 March. I share the news with regret – but also with my very best wishes to Deborah, who is an amazing leader and wonderful person, and whose professionalism, generosity, and insight have shaped U of T for the better.
Call for nominations for UTM’s sixtieth anniversary steering committee
In 2027, alongside U of T’s bi-centennial, UTM will recognize sixty years since our foundation as Erindale College. To coordinate activities for this campus anniversary, I plan to create a steering committee, which will meet regularly starting in early 2026, with a time commitment of three hours per month.
UTM's fall semester
The end of term is in sight; so I’m writing to share some updates on progress this fall, plus a few things to anticipate in the months ahead.
Appointment of UTM’s interim dean, student experience and wellbeing
We are pleased to announce that Tim Fricker has accepted the position as UTM’s interim dean of student experience and wellbeing for a one-year appointment, which runs until Sept. 30, 2026.
More on appointment of UTM's interim dean, student experience and wellbeing
Wellbeing and Belonging at UTM
Appointment of Dany Savard as Chief Librarian at U of T Mississauga
We are pleased to announce that Dany Savard has accepted the position as chief librarian at U of T Mississauga’s library (UTML) for a renewable five-year term starting on 1 January 2025.
Dany has served ably as UTM’s interim chief librarian since March 2024, during which time he has, among many other things, co-chaired the campus’ digital scholarship working group, developed UTML’s new annual team-wide workplan, and led proposals to re-design UTML’s special collections space. He continues to provide thoughtful, people-first advice as a member of the principal’s senior team at UTM and of the University of Toronto Libraries’ tri-campus executive committee.
Appointment of France Gagnon as Vice-Principal Research and Innovation
I am delighted to announce that agenda committee of academic board has approved the appointment of Professor France Gagnon as vice-principal, research and innovation, at U of T Mississauga for a two-year term – from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026 – which is eligible for a three-year extension.
Her research makes national and international impact: she has published 60+ peer-reviewed articles, including in Nature, Lancet, and Human Genetics; earned $9M+ in research funding, including grants from CIHR and the Heart and Stroke Foundation; and broken ground in her field as one of the first genetic epidemiologists in Canada.
More on appointment of France Gagnon
Launch of Continuous Improvement Program
I’m writing to announce UTM’s first continuous improvement (CI) program, which will launch the week of 16 September, as led by our campus-wide project management office (PMO).
The program realizes an idea raised during conversations about the strategic framework and academic plan. Our people – staff, faculty, librarians – are leading their fields; they’re also managing a lot of work. We can make that work easier by streamlining awkward, time-consuming processes we rely on every day.
Celebrating Black at UTM
I’m writing to celebrate the recent progress of Black@UTM and to preview some ways you can get involved in this work going forward. Black@UTM – part strategic action group, part online community space, all parts amazing – works to promote Black excellence, empowerment and belonging on our campus. Its senior team reports into my office to match their connection to priorities of the Strategic Framework: Black belonging matters campus-wide; its leaders need a campus-wide platform.