THUNDER BAY – It’s official, David Barnett is taking over the role of Lakehead University’s provost and vice-president (academic) on a permanent basis.
The school on Friday confirmed the long-serving Barnett, who joined the Thunder Bay school in 2012 as the dean of the faculty of engineering, will be handed the reins of the school’s top academic position, a role he’ll begin immediately.
Barnett has been serving in the position in an interim basis for two years.
“I’m really honoured to be a part of the permanent executive team here at Lakehead University. I’ve had the pleasure of doing this role for a couple of years now and an opportunity to really learn a lot about all of Lakehead University.”
Barnett said his first priority is to help implement the school’s new academic plan and help bring the priorities and strategies within the nearly one-year-old plan to life.
He said there are four equally important priorities within the academic plan, including quality programming, innovative and impactful research work, a commitment to social responsibility and putting good people on the path to higher education and knowledge.
“So we have a number of things we want to accomplish within those four priorities, including work in developing our research profile, work in developing access, equity, diversity and inclusion for our students, or faculty and staff,” Barnett said.
“We have a number of excellent programs across the university and it’s really about upgrading opportunities for our students.”
Lakehead University president Moira McPherson said Barnett is the perfect fit for the job.
“Dr. Barnett’s work as our dean of engineering and in the provost’s office has been exemplary,” McPherson said. “He is a collaborative and personable scholar and professional whose commitment to our faculty and students is evident in everything he does.
“It will be a pleasure continuing to work with David who brings an energy and philosophy of learning and the creation of new knowledge that advances Lakehead University’s vision for the future. Importantly, he shares our strategic commitment to Reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as Universities Canada’s principles on Indigenous education.”
