The search committee charged with recommending the next principal of Queen’s will soon be selecting the top candidates to interview for the position.

Over the past few months, the executive recruiting firm assisting with the search has carried out a national and international outreach campaign, attracting candidates from across Canada and from several international locations.

“We are delighted to share the news that we have had a very strong response to our high profile recruitment efforts,” says Chancellor Jim Leech. “The candidates who have expressed serious interest in the position come from a range of diverse backgrounds with impressive experiences in education and research.” 

Over the summer, the Joint Board-Senate Principal Search Committee will work with the search firm Perrett Laver to reduce this strong field of candidates to a shortlist who will be interviewed in September and October. The committee is working toward recommending a candidate to the Board of Trustees by December.

“Candidates know that good things are happening at Queen’s. The next principal will be joining an ambitious university that is proud to deliver Canada’s definitive university experience, thanks to an unmatched mix of teaching, research, and community,” says Chancellor Leech. “The next principal will be leading an experienced and enthusiastic leadership team that is aiming to deliver more progress on the university’s strategic priorities, including: student experience; faculty renewal; diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation; enhanced research; internationalization; and ensuring financial sustainability.”

The search for the next principal began in January following Principal Daniel Woolf’s announcement that he would not be seeking a third term. His current term concludes on June 30, 2019.

The Joint Board-Senate Principal Search Committee is composed of nine members of the Board of Trustees and nine members of the Senate and is chaired by the Chancellor. The committee’s membership was recently updated with new student and faculty senator representation. Kanonhsyonne Janice Hill, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, and Stephanie Simpson, Executive Director of the Equity and Human Rights Office, are also committee members serving as advisors.