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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

UOIT installs Dr. Tim McTiernan as new president and vice-chancellor

Dr. Tim McTiernan

OSHAWA, ON – In front of a large gathering of academic colleagues, community and industry partners, distinguished guests, faculty, staff and students, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) today officially installed Dr. Tim McTiernan as the university’s third president and vice-chancellor.

“Dr. McTiernan brings an exemplary record of post-secondary administrative leadership, knowledge and experience to UOIT in addition to an unwavering commitment to student success, academic excellence and innovation through the highest quality of interdisciplinary research, said Mr. Peter Williams, chair of the Board of Governors and chair of the committee to recommend a president. “With Dr. McTiernan’s leadership and collaborative management style, UOIT will advance its outstanding reputation for market-driven programs and further develop the increasingly vital role the university plays in driving Durham Region and Northumberland County forward in a regional, national and international context.”

Following the Investing of the Robes of Office by Chancellor Perrin Beatty, Dr. McTiernan delivered his installation address, focusing on three overarching themes that will serve as touchstones for his presidency. He described in detail how UOIT’s top priority is the success of its students and went on to stress that a primary focus for the university will revolve around leveraging capacity and collaboration that is driven by imagination and innovation. Through his commitment to UOIT’s bold and ambitious vision, excellence in teaching and learning, and the advancing of research of the highest quality, Dr. McTiernan’s installation solidifies the university’s impressive track record and marks the beginning of an important new phase in UOIT’s development and growth – a period that will include the university marking its tenth anniversary.

Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Dr. McTiernan has more than 25 years of senior-level leadership and administrative experience spanning the areas of research innovation; research administration and commercialization; social and economic development; and higher education. Most recently he served as assistant vice-president, Government, Institutional and Community Relations at the University of Toronto. He has served in a wide range of high profile capacities with the Government of Ontario and the Government of Yukon. Dr. McTiernan is also the former president of Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology in North Bay, Ontario.

Though officially installed today, Dr. McTiernan has served as president of UOIT since July 1, 2011 following the retirement of Dr. Ronald Bordessa. Among the dignitaries present for the ceremony who brought greetings were Ms. Christine Tausig Ford on behalf of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; Professor Bonnie Patterson, president of the Council of Ontario Universities; Mr. Don Lovisa, president of Durham College; Mr. Sam Z. Ashtiani, on behalf of the UOIT alumni community; Dr. Pamela Drayson, chief librarian and dean of students, on behalf of UOIT faculty and staff; and Ms. Amy LaRue, president of Your Student Association, on behalf of UOIT students.

View the installation video highlights.

View the photo gallery.

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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
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
289.928.3653
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca