We asked members of Dalhousie's Presidential Search Committee, as well as a few others, to share their thoughts on the announcement that Richard Florizone will take the helm as Dalhousie's 11th president next July.
Read also: Introducing Richard Florizone, Dalhousie's 11th president
Robert Summerby-Murray
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty Representative, Presidential Search Committee
I am delighted at the announcement that Dr. Richard Florizone will be Dalhousie's next President. The Search Committee was impressed at Dr. Florizone's significant background and the way in which he combines high quality academic and administrative experience with a compelling vision for Dalhousie's future. His leadership roles in the university sector, in finance and administration, in fundraising and development, and in policy and strategic management will be of considerable importance to Dalhousie in the years ahead. From our interviews with Dr. Florizone, we know him to be a relationship builder, with a keen interest in the student experience and a commitment to developing positive connections with all members of our diverse community. We are very fortunate to welcome a leader of this calibre to Dalhousie.
Chris Saulnier
Past President, Dalhousie Student Union
Student Representative, Presidential Search Committee
There are many university presidents across the country whose characteristics can be said to personally embody the ethos of the institution that they represent. I have no doubt that Dr. Florizone comes to Dalhousie already embodying the best that we have to offer as an institution. Upon meeting him you instantly know that he is a passionate and thoughtful academic. His decision-making process is clearly driven by data yet it is also clear that he has a strong understanding of the value of relationships and the importance of community. As Dalhousie approaches its 200th year as an educational institution, Dr. Florizone's passion and innovative vision will continue to advance Dalhousie towards our goal being the best university in Canada.
Like I'm sure everyone else has said, I was also surprised by how quickly we were able to come to a unanimous selection for our next President. While we had many excellent candidates, he quickly emerged as a leader with passion, vision, and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist for Dalhousie moving forward. He spoke honestly and was able to articulate how he would work collaboratively with all of the university community to ensure that Dalhousie was the best possible university for its students and faculty. This clearly resonated with all of the diverse members of the committee.
Jim Wilson
President, Dalhousie Alumni Association
Board Representative, Presidential Search Committee
As a Dalhousie Board of Governors member (Chair of the Student Experience Committee) and President of the Dalhousie Alumni Association, I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of our search process. Richard brings a truly unique blend of private sector, public sector and academic leadership experience to Dal. He's bright, high energy and will lead a heightened level of engagement for students, staff, faculty, administration and alumni. He is the right leader to build on the Tom Traves' success and take us to Dalhousie's 200th birthday in 2018. Go Tigers!
Sherry Porter
Human Resources Committee member, Dalhousie Board of Governor
Board Representative, Presidential Search Committee
What impressed me as a member of the Search Committee is that we were unanimous. I didn't expect that when I went into the process. We had several very good candidates to choose from. I didn't expect it to be as smooth as it was.
Richard's love of education and knowledge of the university world was incredibly apparent throughout the course of our discussions. And adding to that, he has an unusual combination of academia, business acumen and international experience. I think this broad perspective will really help him bring people together.
Peter MacKinnon O.C.
President Emeritus, University of Saskatchewan
Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow, Public Policy Forum
Dalhousie alumnus
I worked shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Florizone for seven years. He is a man of outstanding ability and great integrity. I believe he will serve with distinction as president of Dalhousie and I am very pleased for my alma mater, and for Dr. Florizone and his family.
Tom Traves
President, Dalhousie University
The search committee has clearly made an inspired choice in Dr. Florizone. I'm extremely proud of all we've been able to accomplish over the past 18 years. Now I look forward to working with Dr. Florizone during the transition and I am delighted knowing Dalhousie will be in such capable hands. It will be exciting watching Dalhousie's next chapter unfold under Dr. Florizone's leadership.
You can learn more about Dr. Florizone at the Presidential Search website.