Distinguished academic appointed provost of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Oshawa, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of professor Michael G. Finlayson as provost, the chief academic officer of the university. Professor Finlayson has an MA from the University of Melbourne and a PhD from the University of Toronto. Before joining the university in 2003, for more than 30 years he was a faculty member of the Department of History at the University of Toronto.

"Our students will benefit tremendously from the knowledge and leadership that Professor Finlayson brings to Canada's newest university," remarked Gary Polonsky, president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Professor Finlayson's academic interests lie in the early modern period of English history with a particular focus on the history and historiography of the English Civil War. He is the author of Historians, Puritanism and the English Revolution: the Religious Factor in English Politics before and after the Interregnum, and he has published many articles and reviews on early modern English history in national and international journals.

Professor Finlayson brings extensive administrative experience to his new position. He was registrar of University College from 1975-1981, chair of the Department of History from 1987-1991, vice-president (Human Resources) from 1991-1994, and vice-president (Administration and Human Resources) from 1994-2001. He was also president of the University of Toronto Faculty Association from 1979-1981 and from 1985-1987.

"It is a wonderfully stimulating opportunity to shape a new university at this stage of my career," said professor Finlayson. "I hope to transfer the knowledge I have gained over the past three decades as a faculty association leader and negotiator, as well as a university administrator, to this new institution. While the university will respect the fundamental academic values that are intrinsic to every university, it will do some things differently. And, I have no doubt it will quickly become an excellent university of which all Ontarians will be proud."

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology offers nine degree programs in areas of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, justice studies and education. Currently under construction in Oshawa, Ontario, the university will welcome its first class of students in September 2003.

For more information, visit www.uoit.ca, e-mail admissions@uoit.ca, or call 1.866.844.8648

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