Toronto, Oct. 26, 2012 − Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University, today announced the resignation of Provost Patrick Monahan and the appointment of Rhonda Lenton to the position of Vice-President Academic and Provost, effective November 26, 2012.  

Lenton has more than a decade of senior administrative experience at York, first as Dean of Atkinson and, since 2009, as Vice-Provost, Academic, the senior Associate Vice-President in the Provost’s Office. She has been actively engaged in many of the academic planning and administrative activities within the University over the past three years, including the White Paper and the University Academic Plan. Most recently, she led the development of the Strategic Mandate Agreement document that was submitted to the Ontario government in response to the current review of the post-secondary education system.

“Rhonda’s strong relationship with the Deans and the York community will serve us well, as we continue to move York forward as one of the leading teaching and research institutions in the country,” said Shoukri. “Her appointment will ensure continued progress on our academic goals at an important time for York and our students.” 

Shoukri also acknowledged the many notable contributions of Monahan, whose accomplished career at York has spanned 30 years, as he leaves to assume the role of Deputy Attorney General with the Province of Ontario.  

“Patrick has led the academy at a critical time and I have been honoured to have such a capable and well respected Provost by my side. The Provost’s White Paper has provided York with a strong strategic direction for the next decade and beyond, and the Academic Innovation Fund is advancing innovation in teaching and learning at York and improving the student experience,” said Shoukri. 

Lenton will serve the balance of the current Provost's term until June 30, 2014. Prior to the expiry of her term, a normal review process will be undertaken.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

 

Contact:
Joanne Rider, York University, 416 736 5593, jrider@yorku.ca