The new president of The University of Western Ontario officially begins his first term at the helm yesterday and he has already developed a strong sense of the direction he intends to steer for the university.

“It’s a pleasure to come to a university that is already in such a strong position,” said Western President Amit Chakma. “We are well-positioned to take the next important steps toward raising our international presence and reputation in ways that will ensure Western is a true global player. We will also be working to identify new approaches that will allow us to connect in new ways with our community – with the people, the businesses and the organizations that look to Western as a partner and friend.”

“Equally important is the strength of relationships within Western. Increasing, we are seeing an interdisciplinary and cooperative approach to programming and research and this trend will help us make the best use of resources and expertise available to us. I have seen that generosity of spirit in many people at Western and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

Chakma is already a familiar face on campus, following many visits and meetings in the six months that have passed since his appointment was announced in late December.

“There is a desire to see Western take a place among the top universities, not just in Canada, but in the world. I believe we can do this, and many of those I have met agree. We begin today, step by step, to build a stronger future for Western.”

Chakma comes to Western from the University of Waterloo where he served as Vice-President, Academic and Provost, and as a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Prior to joining the University of Waterloo in 2001, he served as Dean of Engineering and then Vice-President (Research) at the University of Regina, and as a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary.

A number of other leadership appointments also take effect today at Western:

• Andrew Hrymak begins serving as the new Dean of Engineering. Hrymak comes to Western from McMaster University where he has served as professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice and the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute.

• Kevin Wamsley is beginning a one-year term as Acting Dean of Health Sciences, while Dean Jim Weese takes a study leave. Wamsley is a professor and Associate Dean, Programs in the faculty. He is the former Director of Western’s International Centre for Olympic Studies and currently serves as its Co-interim Director.

• Helen Connell will serve as Acting Vice-President, External, as the university begins a search to fill the position left vacant by Ted Garrard.

• Thérèse Quigley joins Western as Director of Sports and Recreation Services. Quigley comes to Western from McMaster where she has served as Director of Athletics and Recreation since 1990.