David Barnard appointed president of AUCC

David Barnard

Dr. David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba, is the new chair of the board of directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), appointed for a two-year term in conjunction with the association’s fall membership meeting.

Barnard was named president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba in 2008. During his tenure, Barnard has established a long-term vision for the university that emphasizes enhancing its teaching and research strengths while pursuing new initiatives that ensure more resources are made available to enhance services to students, faculty and staff.

Barnard was previously president and vice-chancellor of the University of Regina. He also spent nearly 20 years at Queen’s University serving as a professor of computing and information science and in a variety of senior administrative positions. From 2005-2008, he was also COO of the software company iQmetrix.

In addition to his work with AUCC, Barnard currently has served and continues to serve on a number of national and provincial boards which have included the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation, the Canadian Research Knowledge Network, Greystone Managed Investments, CentrePort Canada, the Bank of Canada and the Canada West Foundation.

Barnard holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and a PhD from the University of Toronto, as well as a diploma in theological studies from Regent College at the University of British Columbia. Barnard’s past roles with AUCC include vice-chair of the board and chair of the finance committee.

“I am inspired by the capacity of our university communities and partners to do even more in the years ahead to build a better Canada,” says Barnard. “AUCC has a solid track record of advancing the university mission in Canada and I look forward to working with our members and staff to help Canadians achieve their aspirations for the future.”

“As a valued and active member of the AUCC board for many years, David has been instrumental in advancing our agenda of aboriginal inclusion, campus internationalization and the pursuit of research excellence,” says Paul Davidson, president of AUCC.

Barnard succeeds outgoing AUCC chair Stephen Toope, president and vice-chancellor of The University of British Columbia, who has been chair since 2011.

AUCC is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, representing the interests of 97 member institutions. Twelve university presidents serve on the board of directors, along with AUCC president Paul Davidson.