News & Events

Today Concordia University announced the appointment of Alan Shepard, Ryerson provost and vice president academic, as its next president and vice-chancellor, effective August 1, 2012.

Concordia has made an inspired and confident choice, and we are proud to offer our warmest congratulations to Alan on his new position. We look forward to opportunities to celebrate our time together, and to say farewell and thanks, and will be announcing details in the days to come.

Alan joined Ryerson in 2007, and has contributed significantly during a momentous time in university development. In consultation with Senate and members of the community, he prepared Shaping Our Future: An Academic Plan for Ryerson 2008-2013, which has guided our priorities and key initiatives. As chief operating officer, working with the board of governors and colleagues throughout the university, he has partnered to build and strengthen our institutional framework, and manage our university budget in times of challenge and constraint. He has championed teaching, research and learning in countless supportive and innovative ways, and advanced Ryerson as a destination of choice for its leadership, ingenuity and 21st century connection to local and global communities.

The search for a successor will be commenced immediately, in accordance with the Policy and Procedures Relating to Search Committees and Appointments in the Academic Administration (AAA Policy). I will also be appointing an interim provost to assume the responsibilities until the permanent position is filled. We will be working with Alan over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition on initiatives and priorities in progress.

Throughout the transition, as always, we rely on the help of our community, whose exceptional dedication continues to build Ryerson distinction and strength. Your support for Alan, and the interim provost when named, as well as the new incumbent in due course, is greatly valued and appreciated. I will keep the community updated as the search process unfolds.

Sheldon Levy
President