The University of Waterloo has appointed Professor James Rush as its next vice-president, academic & provost
Rush currently serves as the dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) at Waterloo. He previously held a number of other posts at Waterloo, including associate dean of graduate studies and research, associate chair of graduate studies, and chair of the Department of Kinesiology at AHS.
James Rush
Rush holds a Bachelor and Master of Science from the University of Guelph, a Ph.D. in medical physiology from the State University of New York Medical Centre at Syracuse, and completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia Dalton Cardiovascular Research Centre. His research interests relate to the regulation of blood vessel function, with a particular focus on the effects of hypertension, age and exercise on blood vessel health.
"In addition to his strong record of academic leadership and scholarship, Jim will bring vigour, vision, and a steady hand to the role of vice-president, academic & provost," said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor at Waterloo. "Jim has been an exceptional colleague and dean and is well placed to continue to serve the Waterloo community."
During his time as Dean of AHS, Rush has overseen continuous growth in the Faculty at all levels and has been able to grow research funding to record levels. His tenure also saw significant new infrastructure put in place to accommodate growth.
Rush was also an early adopter of mandatory equity training for hiring committees and has been an avid supporter of the UN Women's HeforShe campaign.
"I am thrilled to take on this new role, particularly at this exciting phase of the University of Waterloo's history," said Rush. "I look forward to working with the president, the leadership, and the entire campus community to advance its strategic priorities, and to providing guidance and direction on the Academic portfolio and operations of the University."
Rush's appointment takes effect on July 1, 2018, when he will take over from George Dixon, who has been acting as interim vice-president, academic & provost. Rush's initial five-year term will conclude on June 30, 2023.
