UOIT hires new Provost

OSHAWA, Ont. - Richard J. Marceau has been appointed provost of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology effective January 1, 2005. Dr. Marceau comes to us from the Université de Sherbrooke where he is currently the dean of the Faculty of Engineering, a position he has held since June 2001.

"The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is a unique, market-oriented university with equally unique ties to Durham College," said Marceau. "Thanks to the remarkable commitment on the part of its professors, its management and the many stakeholders not only in Oshawa but in Durham Region and Northumberland County, the Canadian university environment has already begun to take notice of UOIT! It is not only a pleasure but decidedly a privilege to be part of such a highly dynamic and innovative team, and a ground-breaking initiative. I am truly looking forward to coming on board!"

Dr. Marceau obtained his BEng at McGill University in December 1977, followed by a part-time Master's program at École Polytechnique de Montréal while pursuing an engineering career with MONENCO Inc. and Hydro Quebec. He obtained his MScA in 1983, and received his PhD degree in electric energy transmission from McGill University in October 1993.

In July 1993, he began his academic career as assistant professor of Electrical Engineering at École Polytechnique de Montréal, a 128-year-old engineering school which acts as the engineering faculty of the University of Montreal, and which was founded independently some 50 years before the university itself. He obtained tenure in December 1996, was promoted to the rank of associate professor in May 1997 and elected chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in June 1998. He was promoted to the rank of professor in May 1999 and remained chairman until May 31, 2001.

Dr. Marceau has worked on various power system projects around the world (including Iran and Australia, among other locations) and as power station designer on a number of hydro and thermal power station projects. He has conducted research into electroheat technologies specializing in electromagnetic induction heating. Having completed his PhD thesis on security limits of electric grid systems, he has made important contributions to power systems security and reliability.

Our current provost, Michael G. Finlayson has announced his retirement effective December 31.

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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has over 1,800 students following 12 months of operation. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca