Hamilton - Queen’s V-P (Academic) Patrick Deane has been appointed President of McMaster University in Hamilton.

He will begin his new job on July 1, 2010, the day after his five-year term at Queen’s ends.

“I’ve had an extraordinary time at Queen’s,” said Dr. Deane. “I’m honoured to have had the privilege to serve this fine university. My years here have been very full and gratifying, both professionally and personally.The people of Queen’s—its students, faculty and staff—are what make this place so special. I look forward to spending the next several months focusing on key initiatives including the academic planning process, sustainability and diversity.”

Dr. Deane came to Queen’s in 2005 from the University of Winnipeg, where he was Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and where he also served as Acting President for more than a year.

“Patrick’s departure, after five years in a senior leadership role through some challenging times, is a real loss to Queen’s,” said Principal Daniel Woolf. “However, I am delighted that his experiences here, and previously at the University of Winnipeg, are going to be put to good use in heading McMaster, an institution at which I once worked and for which I have real affection. I look forward to working with Patrick in his new capacity on issues of common interest to our two institutions.”

Principal Woolf plans to appoint an Interim Vice-Principal (Academic) for the 2010-2011 academic year, during which time Queen’s will conduct a selection process for a new Vice-Principal, who will take office in 2011.