The following message was sent to UNB faculty, staff, and students on Oct. 16, 2025, from UNB's Board Chair, Janet Hoyt:
To the UNB Community,
I am writing with important news about a transition in our university's leadership. After seven years of significant accomplishments for our community, President Paul J. Mazerolle has informed the Board of Governors of his decision to step down at the end of spring 2026 to accept an exciting new opportunity as President of an international university. While we will miss his visionary leadership, we celebrate this next chapter in his distinguished career and recognize that this global recognition is a strong testament to his contributions to higher education and UNB's success under his tenure.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to President Mazerolle for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to our fine institution. Since assuming the presidency, Paul has guided our university through a period of remarkable transformation and resilience.
Among his many accomplishments, President Mazerolle led the development and has championed the implementation of the Strategic Vision: UNB Toward 2030, a bold and forward-looking roadmap that continues to shape our institution's future. He steered UNB through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with compassion and clarity, ensuring the safety and continuity of our academic mission.
Paul has also advanced transformational academic changes, including the implementation of a One UNB model and the establishment of provost leadership, fostering greater collaboration and alignment across our campuses. His commitment to sound financial stewardship resulted in balanced budgets year after year, even amid global uncertainty.
Under Paul's leadership, UNB has also made significant capital investments, including the construction of the Health and Social Innovation Centre (HSIC) in Saint John and the opening of the Allison D. McCain Commons in Fredericton. Both of which are landmark facilities that reflect our commitment to innovation, student success and community engagement.
As we prepare for this transition, the Board will begin a comprehensive search for UNB's next President. An Acting President will be put in place in time to align with the completion of Dr. Mazerolle's term in office. The Acting President will serve until such time as the search process for a new president has been completed. Additional information will be provided in due course.
Please join me in thanking President Mazerolle for his important work and dedication to UNB and in wishing him continued success in his new role on the global stage.
Warm regards,
Janet Hoyt
Chair, UNB Board of Governors
