New administrators start administrating

As the dust settles from the holiday weekend, two key leadership positions are being filled today.

Logan Atkinson (right) begins his duties as Secretary of the University. A former university secretary at Carleton University in Ottawa and currently an associate professor in that university’s Department of Law, Atkinson has wide experience as a lawyer, educator and university administrator. He will report directly to the president.

“The University of Waterloo is committed to excellence in education, research and scholarship, and will continue to be at the forefront of innovation. Professor Atkinson’s experience in law, education and university administration will benefit Waterloo and contribute to our ongoing success,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur in a statement released when Atkinson’s appointment was announced earlier this year.

The university’s secretary is a member of the senior administrative team, providing advice and guidance on effective university governance for the Board of Governors, the Senate, and the executive group. The portfolio of responsibilities also includes liaising with legal counsel, coordinating internal audits and risk management, and overseeing the office responsible for policing, conflict management and human rights, safety, and records management.

“The University of Waterloo is a dynamic, robust institution, with impressive leadership and a stellar, well-deserved reputation,” said Atkinson. “It is a real privilege to join this university at such an exciting time in its history.”

Atkinson holds a BA (Mount Allison University), LLB (University of New Brunswick), MPhil (Memorial University, concentration in professional ethics), MA (Carleton University, legal studies) and LLD (University of Ottawa), and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators. He was partner at Chalker, Green & Rowe (now McInnes Cooper) Barristers & Solicitors in St. John’s, Newfoundland focusing on corporate and commercial law until 1995. Following completion of his doctorate, he served on the faculty at Carleton University in the Department of Law. From 2008 to 2009, Atkinson served as university secretary and privacy officer, supporting the institution through a period of change within its senior administration.

He succeeds Lois Claxton, who retired from the position last year.

In addition, Pearl Sullivan (left) takes the reins of the Faculty of Engineering as its dean today. Sullivan, who joined the university in 2004, is chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering.

“The exemplary reputation of Waterloo Engineering fueled a lot of international interest in this position,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur in January. “We were thrilled that, in the end, one of our own professors was the best person for the job. Faculty and students both here and elsewhere have the greatest respect for Pearl Sullivan -- a striking example of the top-quality educators and leaders we have in our own community.”

Originally from Malaysia, but in Canada for nearly 30 years, Sullivan earned her PhD from the Department of Metals and Materials Engineering at the University of British Columbia. She has a master of applied science (MASc) and a bachelor of engineering (BEng) with distinction from the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the Technical University of Nova Scotia. She holds a professional engineer (PEng) designation from Professional Engineers Ontario, and a Chartered Engineer (CEng) from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in the United Kingdom. In 2009, she received the Outstanding Performance Award from Waterloo, and twice received the UNB Faculty Merit Award for Excellence.

She is the founding director of Waterloo’s joint graduate program in nanotechnology within the faculties of engineering and science.

“Waterloo Engineering wants to be the destination of choice for the most talented students. We will continue to create opportunities for them to reach their career aspirations to become practitioners, researchers or entrepreneurs,” said Sullivan. “Our excellent faculty has led education and research innovation in Canada, and is taking on larger research challenges that will make a global impact.”

Sullivan’s five-year term will begin July 1, 2012. She will be Waterloo’s eighth dean of engineering, and the first woman to hold that post. She takes over from Adel Sedra, an international authority in microelectronic circuits, who has served two terms as dean and retired at the end of June.

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Tuesday's notes

The Department of Housing and Residences is hosting a conference for Housing student staff on Saturday, July 7. The "Make Your Mark Student Staff Conference" is geared towards student staff and volunteers with Waterloo Residences and university colleges. Delegates will connect with other student leaders and staff who share similar passions and strengths. There are six sessions that take place over the free one-day workshop that include personal branding, emotional intelligence, customer service, and volunteering. Delegates will also be treated to two keynote sessions: Stuart Knight's presentation of "Four Conversations of a Leader," and the Drum Café.

The third registration period for the Student Leadership Program is now open for workshops running to July 16. The workshops are free and open to any currently-registered student.

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