New President appointed to Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

TORONTO, March 10 /CNW/ - Dr. Harvey Weingarten, a distinguished academic and administrator, has been named President of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Dr. Weingarten was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary from 2001 to 2010. During his time at the University of Calgary he was instrumental in a $1.5 billion capital expansion, a significant increase in the profile and revenues of the university, and an enhancement of the quality of the student experience.

"Dr. Weingarten brings with him a wealth of experience as a researcher, professor and administrator in both Ontario and Alberta," said Frank Iacobucci, chair of the Council. "His skill, experience, and reputation will enable him to give effective leadership to HEQCO and make a valuable contribution to postsecondary education system in Ontario."

For over 20 years Dr. Weingarten held several positions at McMaster University, including Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and Professor in the Department of Psychology. He holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and a Ph.D. from Yale University. Dr. Weingarten will begin his new role on July 1st.

"I am delighted to join HEQCO. There are few things in society that are more important than the quality of the postsecondary institutions we offer our students and the public," said Dr. Weingarten. "Using the research, analysis and policy advice offered by HEQCO, Ontario can sustain one of the finest postsecondary systems in the country with quality institutions of higher education that rival any others in the world, all in the service of the social and economic needs of our province and country." Dr. Weingarten succeeds HEQCO's founding President, Dr. James Downey, who is retiring on March 31st. Dr. Ken Norrie, HEQCO's Vice-President of Research, will serve as Acting President in the interim.

"I commend Dr. Downey for his many contributions to postsecondary education and research in Ontario and Canada," said Mr. Iacobucci. "HEQCO could not have had a better founding president. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with him."

About the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario is an arm's-length agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to ensuring the continued improvement of the postsecondary education system. The Council was created through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005. It is mandated to conduct research, evaluate the postsecondary education system, and provide policy recommendations to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities with a view to enhance the quality, access, and accountability of Ontario's higher education system.

For further information: Jeff Rohrer, Communications Manager, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, [phone], [email protected], www.heqco.ca