KEVIN Hall, an innovative academic leader and civil engineer known for his strong commitment to community engagement and unwavering belief in access to education and equity, diversity and inclusion, will be the next president of the University of Victoria (UVic). Hall’s appointment was announced on Thursday in Victoria by UVic Board of Governors Chair Cathy McIntyre.
Hall is currently serving in a senior leadership position at the University of Newcastle in Australia. His five-year term as president of UVic begins November 1.
“After an extensive international search, the committee decided that Dr. Kevin Hall is exactly the right choice to lead the University of Victoria as its next president,” says McIntyre. “Dr. Hall has the research and executive experience to advance UVic’s global reputation and stature in all its activities. He has a deep commitment to the impact universities can make in their communities, to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to advancing our goals on truth, respect and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. I look forward to his leadership as we move forward in support of a strong and sustainable future, continuing the outstanding service of President Jamie Cassels over the past seven years.”
Hall was chosen after a year-long search process by a committee composed of representatives from a variety of university constituencies, including Board of Governors, Senate, faculties, staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and the UVic Alumni association. The committee’s work was informed by input from the campus and external communities.
“I am extremely honoured to be selected as the next president of UVic, one of Canada’s leading universities and an institution profoundly committed to equity and excellence,” says Hall. “I am excited and very inspired to join a university that strives to be a global exemplar in vital causes that hold the key to our future—a university that nourishes and shapes tomorrow’s leaders, shows global leadership in supporting a brighter future for Indigenous Peoples and communities, and engages deeply with communities locally and around the world to drive social, environmental and economic change.”
Throughout his academic career, Hall has focused on putting research into practice by delivering knowledge to industry and community. His research interests have focused on water quality modelling, environmental monitoring and pathogen detection systems, and water and health in marginalized communities. He is known for identifying opportunities for collaboration and for creating value in the regions in which he works.
Hall currently serves as vice-president and senior deputy vice chancellor of global engagement and partnerships at the University of Newcastle. He will succeed Jamie Cassels, who has served as the university’s president since July 2013. Cassels has been a faculty member at UVic for nearly 40 years and in senior leadership roles for more than half that time, with plans to return to his academic pursuits later this year.
“It’s been a real honour and a highlight to lead the university these past seven years,” says Cassels. “I am truly delighted Kevin will be assuming leadership of the university this fall—his international focus and ability to form strong community connections will be very important for our university at this time and into the future. I look forward to focusing in the coming months on continuing to deliver on UVic’s mission of education, research and service amidst these challenging and rapidly changing global circumstances.”
Hall will be the eighth president in UVic’s 57-year history.
