Mary Jo HaddadMary Jo Haddad has accepted appointment to a second term as chancellor of the University of Windsor.

Chancellor re-appointed for second term

The Board of Governors of the University of Windsor is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Mary Jo Haddad to a second term as Chancellor.

Dr. Haddad was installed as the University of Windsor’s eighth chancellor during spring 2019 Convocation ceremonies and has been a strong proponent of the importance of leadership throughout her first term.

She established the Chancellor’s Leadership Series to promote the importance of leadership in society and building capacity through scholarship and inspiration by engaging thoughtful leaders in Canada. The series rests on four pillars: leadership, innovation, sustainability, and diversity.

“We are grateful for Dr. Haddad’s continued commitment to the University of Windsor and the community it serves,” says UWindsor president Robert Gordon.

“Among her many contributions over the past three years, Dr. Haddad’s prominent support of the University’s campus transformations and capital campaigns, including the $35 million Transforming Windsor Law project and the $73 million Toldo Lancer Centre, have had a significant impact on their successes. Our campus community owes her a debt of gratitude and we are fortunate that we can continue to count on her support and leadership for her second term.”

She served as president and CEO of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto from 2004 to her retirement in 2013, following a career that began in 1984 and included service as the hospital’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer.

“Dr. Haddad’s dedication to leadership and the welfare of children and young people has been an incredible asset to the University of Windsor community,” says University of Windsor Board of Governors chair Helga Reidel, noting the Chancellor’s commitment to improvements to global child health, and as a champion of research and innovation through the creation of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning -- building capacity and commitment to discovery and applied research and commercialization.

Among her many efforts to promote child health, Haddad has served as founding chair of MaRS Innovation; chair of the Council for Maternal Child Health; director at the Vector Institute; and founding chair of the board of Children First Canada, where she remains as a member of the Council of Champions.

Haddad was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010 and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She was also a recipient of the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

“In the coming years I look forward to continuing my work to support the strategic goals of the University of Windsor through strong engagement with both internal and external communities,” Haddad says.

“It has also been my privilege to support student success and encourage student and faculty leadership through the Chancellor’s Leadership Series – an initiative I intend to continue as a financial champion, role model, and mentor.”

She says oversight of Convocation programs and the opportunity to preside over Convocation ceremonies will continue to be key components of her duties as chancellor.

“Being present for University of Windsor students and their families as they are recognized and acknowledged for their hard work and dedication is definitely a highlight for me,” Haddad says.

“Having the opportunity to wish students well as they take their University of Windsor education out to do good in the world and establish themselves as leaders in their own communities and workplaces is an exceptional honour.”