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.
Meet President Rosehart
President Rosehart came to Waterloo as an engineering student and left with three degrees. Now he's back as the University's eighth President and Vice-Chancellor, and the first alum to hold the role.
In between, he built a career as a scholar and academic leader. His research focuses on the planning and operation of sustainable energy systems. As Dean of Engineering at the University of Calgary and Provost at the University of Guelph, he championed student-centred, experiential learning.
Since July, he has been listening to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners across Waterloo. He is hearing about the strengths, opportunities, and hopes our community has for our University, and is inspired by your ambition.
President Rosehart believes Waterloo is at its best when it's bold, takes risks, and stays true to itself. He's focused on backing talented people, turning ideas into impact, and working together to deliver what the Region, Canada, and the world needs now.
“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. We stay distinctively Waterloo.”
What is a presidential installation?
A presidential installation is the formal ceremony marking a new chapter in a university's leadership.
President Rosehart became Waterloo's eighth President and Vice-Chancellor on July 1, 2026. At his installation, Chancellor Jagdeep Singh Bachher will formally entrust him with the leadership of the University on behalf of the Senate and Board of Governors.
The ceremony honours Waterloo's past while looking to its future. For President Rosehart—a three-time Waterloo graduate—it also marks a homecoming.
Send well wishes to the President
Everyone in the wider Waterloo community are welcome to share a message, a memory, or a hope for the years ahead. President Rosehart would love to hear from you.
President Rosehart's first 100 days
During his first 100 days, President Rosehart has been engaged and listening to our community across campus and the region.
