Ontario Tech University announces the appointment of Dr. Mary Bluechardt as the university's new Deputy Provost, effective Wednesday, January 1.
Dr. Bluechardt has served as the university's Interim Deputy Provost since October 1, 2023. She has deep connections to Ontario Tech and Durham Region, having previously served as Dean of the university's Faculty of Health Sciences.
As Deputy Provost, Dr. Bluechardt will retain responsibility for Student Life (Athletics and Recreation, Student Support Services, Operations and Planning); Careers, Co-op, Experiential Learning, Student Advising, Teaching and Learning Centre, Continuous Learning, and Indigenous Education Cultural Services. She will continue to work closely with Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic to further engage deans, faculty members and staff with the operational and academic priorities of the university, including academic excellence and student success.
Dr. Mary Bluechardt named permanent Deputy Provost, Ontario Tech University (effective January 1, 2025).
Dr. Bluechardt is an accomplished administrative leader, with more than 34 years of experience in diverse and complex academic settings in the post-secondary sector. In addition to her previous roles at Ontario Tech, she has served as President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Vice-President, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland; and Dean, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University.
She also brings a wealth of experience as a Professor, having spent 17 years at the University of Regina, in the faculties of Kinesiology of Health Studies, and Education, where her research expertise in adapted physical activity and her community engagement enriched the lives of people with disabilities through sport, locally and around the globe. Her passion for improving the lives of people of varying abilities is evident in her work as National Director for Coaching Development with Special Olympics Canada, and in her many years as a member of the expert team helping transform sport and physical activity into a more inclusive system, as part of the Sport for Life Long-Term Athlete Development Model. She has received numerous awards for her work.
She is a member of the International Coaching Federation, and holds a Certification in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, and a Certification in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
She received a PhD in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master of Science degree in Coaching and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, both from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.
Quotes
"I'm happy to have the opportunity to return to Ontario Tech University as the Deputy Provost. I look forward to further advancing our vision, mission and values. The university's innovative and student-centred approach is something I am proud to be a part of."
- Dr. Mary Bluechardt, incoming Deputy Provost, Ontario Tech University
"Dr. Bluechardt has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative expertise in the Interim Deputy Provost role. Ontario Tech University's senior leadership team looks forward to continuing to work with her as she supports the university's commitment to advancing student success and nurturing ethical leaders."
- Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic
