Sophie D'Amours, elected as the first-ever woman rector at Université Laval in 2017, became vice-chair of Universities Canada's board of directors on October 24th during the association's fall membership meeting in Ottawa. Dr. D'Amours is part of a wave of new leadership at Canada's universities, with more than a third of universities appointing new presidents in the last two years.
"Sophie D'Amours is one of the many strong new voices in Canadian higher education today who are focused on building a better country through innovation in teaching, discovery and the student experience," said Paul Davidson, Universities Canada president. "With an exceptional track record in research and academic leadership, she is a tremendous addition to Universities Canada's board of directors."
An engineer, Dr. D'Amours held the Canada Research Chair in Planning Sustainable Forest Value Networks from 2009 until 2017. She served as Université Laval's vice-rector of research and innovation from 2012-2015.
"I am honoured to take on this new role and work with outstanding university leaders from across the country to develop the skills and talent Canada needs for the future," said Dr. D'Amours. "I know I share with my colleagues a desire to engage new and emerging voices across the university community - and across sectors - to advance inclusive excellence in Canada."
Also named to the board at today's membership meeting are Rhonda Lenton, president of York University, and Santa Ono, president of The University of British Columbia.
