Saint Paul University (SPU) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Louis Patrick Leroux as the university's next rector.
Selected through rigorous and independent process, the Provincial of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of Notre Dame du Cap in Council and the Board of Governors have approved Mr. Leroux's candidacy. The Provincial in Council therefore appointed Mr. Louis Patrick Leroux as Rector of Saint Paul University. He has since received the Decree from the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education. He will officially begin his term as Rector later this spring, 2024.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Louis Patrick Leroux to Saint Paul University. With his rich experience as a leader and researcher, he embodies the core values of our institution," said Marie-Michèle Laferrière, President of the Board of Governors. "His daily commitment to making the world a fairer place through the arts is a testament to his bold vision and commitment to social justice."
"We are confident that his leadership will inject momentum into our projects and programs, in addition to positioning Saint Paul University in an innovative way on the global academic and socio-cultural stage," added Laferrière. "We look forward to collaborating with him and supporting him in his new role."
Patrick Leroux: Champion of Collaboration, Innovation and Research
Dr. Leroux joins USP from Concordia University in Montreal, where he held the position of Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Arts and Science. In this role, he championed interdisciplinarity, supported faculty and research centres in their research initiatives and secured numerous grants and funding opportunities for the faculty.
In addition to his role as Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Leroux has a long career in research. His areas of expertise include Quebec theater, contemporary circus arts and research-creation. He has published extensively and lectured widely, making him a recognized expert.
"After intensive years of researching, creating and teaching, I understand very well that collaboration and innovative solutions can lead to positive social change," explains Leroux. "The constant dynamism shown by the Saint Paul University community in its mission to create a better world is something that inspires me. It is an honour for me to represent this institution."
Originally from the Ottawa area, Dr. Leroux is a Franco-Ontarian with deep roots in the cultural scenes of Ontario and Quebec, as well as internationally. Author, playwright and actor, he applies his creativity to philanthropic activities that address social issues and foster community development.
"Saint Paul University's respect for human dignity, social justice and reconciliation are values close to my heart. This community has everything it takes to make a positive impact in addressing contemporary social issues, and I look forward to being able to contribute."
Dr. Leroux is a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada, having served as their secretary. Connected to international networks, he has often been a visiting professor and researcher, notably at Duke University, Charles University, the École normale supérieure de Lyon, the University of Milan-Bicocca and the University of Chile.
Dr. Leroux is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, École des HEC-Montréal, Université de Paris III-Sorbonne nouvelle and, more recently, has studied university administration at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
