Dr. Bill Rosehart installed as Waterloo’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor
President Rosehart embraces the University’s unconventional and bold spirit to build for the future
Three-time alum Dr. Bill Rosehart (BASc ’96, MASc ’97, PhD ’01) has returned to the University of Waterloo, leading the institution into a new era. Rosehart was installed as the University’s eighth President and Vice-chancellor on October 22, 2026, where he was formally endowed to the duties and responsibilities of office.
The installation ceremony was conducted by Genevieve Gauthier-Chalifour, University Secretary and Murray Gamble (BASc ’85), Chair, Board of Governors.
The event opened with a special performance from the Aki Ogichidaa Kwewak N’gamowak singers and an Indigenous greeting from Elder Myeengun Henry (LLD ’24), Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. Notable guests also joined to share congratulatory remarks, including Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher (BASc ’93, MASc ’94, PhD ’00), Waterloo’s Chancellor.
Looking ahead, Rosehart said Waterloo’s greatest strength lies in the qualities that have defined it since its founding: challenging convention, hands-on experience and innovation. Maintaining that distinct identity is key to help drive Canadian prosperity.
“We will not meet this moment by becoming more cautious, or by turning into a more generic version of ourselves, or by copying any other university," he said. "We stay distinctively Waterloo.”
As a three-time Waterloo alum, Rosehart brings both a deep connection to the University and a proven record of transformative leadership. For more than two decades in senior roles at the University of Guelph and the University of Calgary, he has led major academic renewal, championed entrepreneurial and experiential learning, and advanced partnerships that connect education and research to real-world impact.
Throughout his career, Rosehart has championed Indigenization, equity and inclusion, helping to build more welcoming and supportive environments for students and communities. His experience, combined with his roots at Waterloo, positions him well to build on the University’s bold, innovative spirit.
