Farrar has a 'deep knowledge of McMaster' and 'the challenges and opportunities' facing the university
HAMILTON, Ontario, December 12, 2019
After a nine-month long international search, David Farrar has been selected as McMaster University's newest president.
On Thursday, McMaster University announced that its board of governors and senate have both approved of Farrar, who has been the school's acting president since this past summer.
Farrar previously held the positions of provost and vice-president academic since coming to the school in 2017.
He has been recommended to serve as president and vice-chancellor of McMaster for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2020.
Farrar will become McMaster's eighth president, succeeding Patrick Deane, who held the position for nine years before becoming the president at Queen's University.
In videos posted to the university's website, Farrar says that he feels privileged to fill the role at McMaster, which he touts as a "research powerhouse."
"I didn't think that I would end up as the president of a university — it's not something I aspired to," he said. "But when I look at McMaster, I feel so incredibly lucky to have this position and I look forward to trying to move the university forward."
Farrar also gave a special shout out to Hamilton and McMaster's research initiative project, which he said will explore ideas that represent solutions to the world's great problems.
"I am captivated by the promise that I see around this place," he said. "This is a city that is coming into a future that is going to be driven by innovation. McMaster has a huge role to play in the future of Hamilton."
In a news release on the university's website, Brad Merkel, chair of the board, said that Farrar was "uniquely positioned" to lead the school due to his high-calibre research and leadership experience at other universities.
Farrar worked for 10 years at the University of British Columbia in various roles, including interim president, provost, vice-president academic, and vice-president finance.
He also worked at the University of Toronto as deputy provost, vice-provost students, and chair of the chemistry department.
The selection committee chose candidates based on a list of focus areas out of consultations with Deane and past presidents of research intensive universities, which included, among others, enhancing the student experience, championing research, and striving for greater equity, diversity and Indigenization.
In its report, the committee says it was "very impressed" with Farrar's experience, commitment to research, and vision for engaging students.
"Throughout the process, [Farrar] demonstrated his deep knowledge of McMaster and the challenges and opportunities that are facing the University at this time in its history. He brings to the role a leadership style that is focused on values, collegiality and collaboration."
With files from McMaster University
Original Source: CBC News
