BRANDON, MB – With “I do so promise”, Dr. Gervan Albert Fearon was installed as the 15th President of Brandon University (BU) before a crowd including students, staff, provincial and federal politicians, Aboriginal leaders, and academics and University administrators from across Canada.
Cloaked in the grey and blue robes of office, President and Vice Chancellor Fearon thanked the audience for the opportunity to serve and to lead, noting, “We are all here with the sense of a brighter future for the University, and that spirit binds us.”
University Chancellor Michael Decter introduced Dr. Fearon as someone “who can move people in the direction of positive and constructive change”, a theme repeated by the province’s Minister of Education and Advanced Learning. “You are the instigator of a renaissance at this University that will flow through the city and the region,” said James Allum.
Dr. Fearon first joined BU in 2013 as Vice-President (Academic and Provost), becoming President in August, 2014, following an exhaustive cross-Canada search. Dr. Fearon holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Guelph. He served as a Dean at Ryerson University in Toronto, Associate Dean at York University, Senior Analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Finance (Treasury Board), and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. A well-published scholar, he is also the recipient of awards for teaching excellence and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
University Board of Governors Chair Derrick Stewart said he believes that Dr. Fearon is the transformational leader needed by the University at a critical time of transformational change. Faculty Association President Meir Serfaty spoke of “a significant new beginning for Brandon University; a new era of co-operation and goodwill, which bodes well for the University and the community.”
Dr. Fearon has been appointed to a five year term as President, ending July 31, 2019.
Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.
-30-
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.