Dr. Tim Kenyon has been appointed to the role of Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic, starting Jan. 1.

He will serve in the role until July 31, while the University undertakes a search for a permanent appointment.

Kenyon has held the role of Vice-President, Research since January 2018 and was recently re-appointed to a new five-year term. Over the course of his first term, Kenyon focused on increasing the University’s research capacity by providing the supports necessary to develop researchers through improvement of the University’s infrastructure, policies and practices.

There has also been a significant focus on strategic investments and financial stability in research, including:

• Setting a new institutional high for total research revenue in 2020-21
• Developing a wide range of new strategic funding opportunities for researchers, including the Research Initiative Award, Indigenous Research Grant, Canada Games Research Grants, and the Research Capacity Program; and
• Launching the Brock-Niagara Validating, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI), a $15-million project that includes a $6-million FedDev grant, providing advanced scientific equipment, partnership incentives and a major new research space to enhance the connections between Brock researchers and industry partners.

“Dr. Kenyon provides continuity and stability on our executive team, and I am confident that he will continue to provide excellent leadership in this role,” says Dr. Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I know that his commitment to the academic mission of the university and institutional knowledge will be an asset for Brock and our senior leadership team during a critical time in our academic and financial year.”

A process is underway to select an executive search firm to support the hiring of a permanent Provost and Vice-President, Academic. The search firm will support and collaborate closely with an advisory committee, which will be chaired by the President and Vice-Chancellor.

The search will be conducted in accordance with the Policy on the Appointment and Reappointment of the President and Vice-President through a transparent, consultative, and fair process.

Dr. Lynn Wells, who announced her departure from Brock on Dec. 5, will stay on as Special Advisor to the President until March 29, 2024, to support a seamless transition for Kenyon in his role as Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic.