WATERLOO — Dr. Sue Horton is stepping down from her position as Vice-President: Academic of Wilfrid Laurier University effective August 1, 2008. She looks forward to pursuing research projects that have been put on hold during her tenure in administration. After a year of administrative leave she will return to Laurier as Full Professor in the Department of Economics.

Horton, an international expert in the economics of developing countries, joined Laurier in 2004 after a 22-year career at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cambridge University, and a doctorate in economics from Harvard University.

Noteworthy initiatives during her tenure at Laurier have included the establishment of the Faculty of Education, and the Learning Services unit, as well as leading the university Century Plan initiative. She also led the Laurier development of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a collaborative initiative of Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo, with the support and involvement of the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

“I have very much enjoyed my administrative term at Laurier,” Horton says, “and am proud of all that has been accomplished. At this point in my career I am looking forward to focusing on my research interests while staying closely connected with the university I have come to care deeply about in the past four years.”

Horton will work on economic aspects of undernutrition as a Visiting Scientist at the Micronutrient Initiative in Ottawa during her leave, and writing a book on the economics of public health.

“Dr. Horton has brought a deep commitment and enthusiasm to her activities here at Laurier. I commend and thank her for the very high standards she has set in this key administrative role,” says Dr. Max Blouw, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurier. “I understand and support her desire to focus on her research at this time. On behalf of the university community, I extend sincere thanks and wish her the very best of success in her research pursuits.”

Blouw says the university will immediately begin its search for a new Vice-President: Academic.