Transforming the university into the technology hub of the eastern GTA

“The University of Ontario Institute of Technology will be the eastern anchor of the Greater Toronto Area’s rapidly expanding technology hub,” says Dr. Steven Murphy, formally installed May 8 as the university’s fourth President and Vice-Chancellor.

President Murphy’s installation address outlined plans for enhancing the university’s strategic growth and reinforcing its position as a post-secondary leader in career-ready education and collaborative research.

“We need everyone on our campus to think through the lens of technology, the central tenet that attracts academics and students to our university,” says President Murphy. “From our innovative approach in teaching, to our commitment to excellence in collaborative research, there is a powerful ‘can-do’ entrepreneurial spirit here. I can sense this energy in our students and I am inspired by it: they have ambitious ideas for shaping society, for creating a business, for bringing a technology to market.”

The ceremony at the university’s Regent Theatre featured an audience that included President Murphy’s three predecessors, along with academic colleagues, community and industry partners, faculty, staff and students.

Following the Investing of the Robes of Office by Chancellor Noreen Taylor, President Murphy delivered his installation address, focusing on a variety of themes.

On strategic partnerships:

“Every CEO wants to make their culture more tech-savvy, so let’s seize the moment and build our strategic partnerships with industry. Let’s use the opportunity to give all of our students exposure to solving real-world problems, early and often. Already, 90 per cent of our students have an experiential learning component embedded in their degree. My goal is to make 100 per cent the new normal for post-secondary education.”

On international presence:

“We need to strategically build on our international partnerships. Let’s align ourselves with the world’s great technological universities. The company we keep will speak volumes about our quality.”

On diversity, equity and inclusivity, and enhancing the student experience:

“Ensuring everyone feels welcome in our community is an active process. We reflect inclusivity by how we act, think and lead, every hour, every day. Creating new, inviting campus spaces, expanded intramurals and more student job opportunities will encourage students to stick around campus. This will involve some real work, but this can be a cool place for engagement and greater student interaction.”

President Murphy formally took office on March 1. Previously Dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University in Toronto, President Murphy is renowned for his organizational and human behaviour expertise across business and industry. He accelerated that school’s growth by transforming its brand, establishing novel interdisciplinary program and developing innovative and entrepreneurial co-op opportunities.

He will participate in his first University of Ontario Institute of Technology Convocation ceremonies on Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.

Webcast link: uoit.ca/presidentinstallation

Media contact:
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (cell)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

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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.