Q&A: Meet University of Waterloo's new president, Dr. Bill Rosehart

The University of Waterloo has announced that Dr. Bill Rosehart, an experienced academic leader and three-time graduate of the university, will become its next president and vice-chancellor.

Rosehart, who begins a five-year term on July 1, is the first alumnus take on the role. He will replace outgoing president Dr. Vivek Goel.

Rosehart brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience at major Canadian universities. Including serving as provost and vice-president, academic at the University of Guelph and as dean of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.

Rosehart joined CBC K-W's The Morning Edition host Craig Norris to talk about what he will bring to the role.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Craig Norris: Why did you want to be president of the University of Waterloo?

Bill Rosehart: The University of Waterloo is without a doubt one of Canada's most impactful institutions. We think about where it stands in cooperative education, where it's not just a national leader, it's a global leader.

It's a powerhouse of research, scholarship, innovation and entrepreneurship that has had such an incredible impact on not just the region of Waterloo, but the whole country. To have the opportunity to be part of the energy and all things that really define Waterloo, is just so exciting.

Norris: How do you think the fact that you're a UW grad will colour your leadership?

Rosehart: I come into this position with just an incredible amount of pride being a three time Waterloo grad. I hope it creates a stronger sense of connection with the students, with the staff and with the faculty.

It gives me some unique perspectives combined with the fact that I went away for a couple of decades. I think that brings a really powerful mix into how I will be able to work with people and leaders across the campus to take Waterloo to where it goes next.

Norris: University of Waterloo highlighted that you are interested in experiential learning. You said that UW is well known for co-op programs, where students get real-world, on-the-job experiences in between semesters on campus. Do you see experiential learning expanding beyond that or evolving even further?

Rosehart: Absolutely. When we we think about the future state of university, a lot of it will come down to a broader definition of experiential learning. Co-op is absolutely critical in my view, for student experience. Coming out of your degree with work experience really differentiates and positions students to transition to their career very successfully.

But experiential learning goes beyond that. It speaks to opportunities for students to be involved in teams, clubs and student leadership, where they can really develop into future citizens and really gain experiences in what is ultimately a safe learning environment that can have an incredible potential for how they become leaders in our community.