Benoit-Antoine Bacon, Carleton University's 15th President and Vice-Chancellor, has announced that he will be leaving in the fall of 2023 to assume the presidency of the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Carleton Board of Governors Chair Greg Farrell congratulated Bacon and noted his many achievements, describing his impact on Carleton as "extraordinary."
"Through strategic vision, hard work, character and unfailing integrity, President Bacon has served our university in so many ways," said Farrell. "The progress our university has made under his leadership is getting noticed across Canada and clearly caught the eye of UBC."
Carleton has soared over the past five years, with many accomplishments including the development of a Strategic Integrated Plan, a marked increase in research funding and student success, an elevated national profile and reputation, a refreshed campus master plan, and several new buildings. Carleton has also distinguished itself with considerable progress in sustainability, community engagement, Indigenous initiatives, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Bacon, who will complete his last day as President of Carleton on August 31, 2023, and will formally assume his new role at UBC on November 1, 2023, expressed mixed emotions regarding the announcement.
"There is a sadness in departing from Carleton, of that there is no doubt," said Bacon. "It has been an amazing five years and it's been a privilege to work with so many smart, caring people and to achieve so much together. I offer my sincere and immense gratitude to the entire community for allowing me to be part of the Raven journey. Carleton is an exceptional university, and one that I am incredibly proud to have served since July 2018, perhaps especially through the pandemic."
Dr. Jerry Tomberlin, who has been serving as Carleton's Provost and Vice-President (Academic) since 2017, will begin serving as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor on September 1, 2023. A full search for the 16th President and Vice-Chancellor will be launched in the fall.
