Leadership and governance

Dr. Vivek Goel, a distinguished scholar with extensive achievements in research, teaching and leadership across both public and private sectors, began his tenure as president and vice-chancellor in July 2021. 

Goel is recognized in Canada and around the world as a leading public-health researcher, health-services evaluation expert and champion for the use of research evidence in health policy making.

The president of the university provides leadership in all matters internal and external. According to the terms of the University of Waterloo Act, 1972, the president is to be appointed by the Board of Governors, in agreement with the Senate.

• Office of the President
• President’s biography
• Contact the President’s Office at president@uwaterloo.ca

Also reporting directly to the President are:

• Vice-President, Administration & Finance - Dennis Huber
• Vice-President, Advancement - Nenone Donaldson
• Vice-President, University Relations - Sandra Banks
• Vice-President, Research and International - Charmaine Dean 
• University Secretary - Karen Jack

Appointed to the role in July 2018, Rush is a professor of physiology at the University of Waterloo, having first joined the Department of Kinesiology in 2000. Recognized for his strong leadership, Rush previously held numerous administrative positions within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences including the role of dean, associate dean graduate studies and research, and chair of the Department of Kinesiology. President Vivek Goel is supported by Vice-President Academic and Provost James Rush, who serves as the university’s chief operating officer.  Rush completed his PhD with distinction at the State University of New York Heath Center at Syracuse in 1998 before pursuing post-doctoral work at the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Rush is also a highly respected researcher, known for his work in the areas of cardiovascular research, particularly relating to the effects of hypertension, age, and exercise on blood vessel health.  His most recent work hopes to explain the mechanisms by which vascular function can be improved to prevent disease and preserve cardiovascular health.

The vice-president academic and provost is the chief academic and budget officer of the University of Waterloo. Working closely with the president, he leads and supports the efforts of the deans, faculty and staff to drive academic excellence. The provost is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the university.

• Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic
• Contact the Provost’s office

The chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University of Waterloo. 

The chancellor presides over Convocation ceremonies every June and October and awards all degrees, diplomas and certificates, including honorary degrees.

The chancellor addresses graduands and inspires them at these ceremonies.

The current chancellor is H.E. Dominic Barton, Canada’s ambassador to China and global managing partner emeritus of McKinsey & Company.