HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY COUNCIL OF ONTARIO
Dr. Malcolm Butler Appointed President and CEO of HEQCO

Following an extensive search, the Board of Directors of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Malcolm Butler as the organization's next President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Butler succeeds Dr. Janice Deakin, who has led the Council with distinction over the past five years.

Dr. Butler is a highly respected leader in Canadian postsecondary education, bringing over three decades of experience in research, academic administration, quality assurance, strategic planning and institutional innovation. Most recently, he served as Vice-President, Academic and Research at Saint Mary's University, where he spearheaded initiatives that strengthened student success, advanced research excellence and deepened community partnerships.

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Butler has demonstrated a deep commitment to evidence-based decision making and stakeholder engagement. In his various leadership roles including at Carleton University where he served as Dean of Science he built strong connections among academic institutions, government and industry to support student learning, workforce development and research innovation. His leadership experience includes key roles with the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance (OUCQA), the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) and Science Atlantic.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Butler to HEQCO," said Shelley McGill, Chair of HEQCO's Board of Directors. "Malcolm's distinguished career is exemplified by his dedication to research-driven policy, collaborative leadership, and addressing the challenges of postsecondary education. Dr. Butler's experience will advance HEQCO's mission and promote HEQCO's continued delivery of quality research, and critical insights for Ontario's postsecondary sector."

Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Butler shared, "I am honoured to join HEQCO at a pivotal moment for higher education in Ontario. Postsecondary institutions face complex challenges but with those challenges come opportunities for collaboration, innovation and renewal. I look forward to working with the talented HEQCO team and with partners across the sector to strengthen Ontario's postsecondary system so that it continues to serve students, communities and the economy with excellence."

A theoretical physicist by training, Dr. Butler earned his PhD from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and his BSc (Honours) from McMaster University. He has held faculty appointments at Queen's University, Carleton University and Saint Mary's University, and is a published researcher and frequent contributor to national conversations on postsecondary education and public policy.

As President and CEO of HEQCO, Dr. Butler will lead the Council's efforts to conduct evidence-based research; provide policy recommendations to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES); and support innovation in Ontario's postsecondary system. His leadership will help ensure that HEQCO remains at the forefront of advancing quality, access, sustainability and student success.

The Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Janice Deakin for her outstanding leadership, dedication and contributions to HEQCO during her tenure.

Dr. Butler will begin his role as President and CEO on August 1st, 2025.

Created through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005, HEQCO is an agency of the Government of Ontario that brings evidence-based research to the continued improvement of the postsecondary education system in Ontario. As part of its mandate, HEQCO evaluates the postsecondary sector and provides policy recommendations to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to enhance the access, quality and accountability of Ontario's colleges and universities.