Iris Petten, chair of the Board of Regents of Memorial University, is pleased to announce today that the board has unanimously approved Dr. Gary Kachanoski as the university’s president and vice-chancellor for a second five-year term.

“I am excited that Dr. Kachanoski wishes to remain at Memorial," said Ms. Petten. “During the past four years, he has guided our university on a bright and successful path. Under his leadership, we are looking at an unprecedented level of infrastructure renewal, record research funding and growth in our graduate enrolment, just to name a few achievements. We know there are great things in store with him at the helm, and on behalf of the board, I extend our congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Kachanoski.”

In March of this year Dr. Kachanoski indicated that he wished to stand for renewal of his appointment as the university’s president and vice-chancellor. His initial five-year term ends in June 2015. As required by the Board of Regents’ Presidential Search, Appointment and Assessment Policy, the executive committee of the board then undertook a comprehensive review  which included  solicitation of confidential input from the university community, including faculty, students, staff, alumni and retirees.  

The executive committee then recommended Dr. Kachanoski’s reappointment at the May 8 board meeting. The Board of Regents unanimously accepted the recommendation. Dr. Kachanoski’s term will now extend to June 2020.

Ms. Petten said she would like to thank the members of the university community for their advice.

“We really appreciated having their input into this important process,” she said. “I also would like to thank the members of the board’s executive committee for their stewardship of the process.”

“It is an honour to serve as president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University, a university unequivocally committed to serving the public good and the intellectual, social, cultural and economic development of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dr. Kachanoski. “Our university’s upward trajectory at the national level is clear and the future of Memorial University is brighter than ever. We are growing and evolving in many ways, and at an impressive pace, so I’m excited and humbled to continue this journey with Memorial’s partners and friends. My wife, Teresa, and I have made Newfoundland and Labrador our home and feel privileged to live in this beautiful and culturally rich place.”

A biography of Dr. Kachanoski can be found at http://www.mun.ca/president/home/biography.php.