University President

The University of Waterloo is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month in Canada celebrates the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians and communities. It was officially recognized in 1995 when the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, Vivek Goel, is among the 2024 appointments to the Order of Ontario announced by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.

The end of the year is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we are going.

Through the ups and downs of this past year, our community consistently demonstrated its resiliency. 2024 has reminded us of the importance of listening to one another, sharing ideas and collaborating.

It has also been full of many achievements.

This year, I asked some of my colleagues to share their highlights from 2024.

The University of Waterloo is partnering with UPES, a leading multidisciplinary university in India, to enhance global learning opportunities. With an initial focus on executive education, this collaboration aims to bring Waterloo’s expertise in professional, executive and corporate education to senior leaders and working professionals in India.  

Following seven years of committed service as Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. James Rush has made the personal decision to step down from his role effective June 30, 2025.   

I am grateful to Provost Rush for his commitment and leadership during my tenure as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. The University has benefited from his leadership, especially through periods of great change and challenge. 

Living in a free, open, and just society requires all of us to do our part. November 11 is Remembrance Day, a reminder to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of these freedoms. From communities across the country, brave men and women have served in both peacetime and war. 

Their efforts are why I wear a poppy this month. 

The University of Waterloo’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Vivek Goel, has advised the Board of Governors that, due to family circumstances, he will not seek re-appointment when his current term ends on June 30, 2026.

On behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire Waterloo community, we offer our sincere thanks for his dedicated service so far to the University and we look forward to working together until the end of his term.