A Northern Ontario francophone university has named a new leader.
After searching for several months, Aurélie Lacassagne has been appointed as the new rector of Université de Hearst.
"It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I undertake this new challenge of becoming rector of an institution that is already close to my heart. I look forward to serving the Université de Hearst community and helping it meet its challenges and acquire the notoriety it deserves," she said in a news release.
Lacassagne starts as rector-designate on May 1. Current rector Luc Bussières, who has held the position since 2017, is staying on until June 30.
"I am delighted with this appointment, which is in keeping with both the continuity and the renewal of our establishment. In addition to her experience in university management and teaching, Aurélie Lacassagne has an undeniable attachment to Northern Ontario and its people, making her a natural choice for this highly strategic position," said Fabien Hébert, Université de Hearst board chair.
Lacassagne has made a name for herself in the academic world.
She has been the dean of the faculties of humanities and philosophy at Saint Paul University since 2002. Before that, she was an associate professor at Laurentian University for 15 years, also serving as the vice-dean of the faculty of social sciences and humanities and department head.
Lacassagne holds a doctorate in political science from the Doctoral School of the Institut d'Études Politiques de Bordeaux, said the university in the announcement. She is well-known for analyzing political issues for more than a decade, notably for Radio-Canada (CBC) broadcasts both provincially and nationally.
— TimminsToday
