Introducing uOttawa’s first female president and the challenges she faces

Marie-Eve Sylvestre first joined uOttawa as a professor in 2005 and has served as dean of the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section since 2019. Photo by University of Ottawa /HandoutArticle content

The University of Ottawa announced Wednesday that Marie-Eve Sylvestre will become its 31st and first-ever female president and vice-chancellor.

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Sylvestre first joined uOttawa as a professor in 2005 and has served as dean of the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section since 2019. She has a master’s degree from Université de Montréal and a doctorate from Harvard University.

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She also holds the Research Chair on Criminal Law and Policy and the Regulation of Marginalized People.

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“I’m really moved and touched by the confidence given by the Board of Governors and by the community,” she said. “I’m very excited for what’s to come.”

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Sylvestre will take over from Jacques Frémont, who has served as uOttawa’s president and vice-rector since 2016, beginning on July 1.

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Sylvestre says her vision is for uOttawa to become a “key social, economic and cultural actor” within the Ottawa community by building alliances and strengthening relationships with a variety of international organizations, local industries and government.

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“I want to reach out. I want to be present,” she said. “I want people to feel involved. I want people to feel welcome on campus.”

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The University of Ottawa currently ranks fourth on Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities for 2024, mainly for its research intensity. Sylvestre says she intends to maintain and grow uOttawa’s research initiatives and community.

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She also wants to continue the “work of indigenization” of the uOttawa campus, including programming, research and governance.

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“We have important budgetary and financial challenges,” she said. “I want to make sure that this does not affect the quality of the education and the students’ experiences.”

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Stéphane Brutus, dean of the Telfer Business School at uOttawa, said he was excited to hear about Sylvestre’s appointment. He says her track record as a researcher, focused on the intersection between criminal law and marginalized communities, made her especially equipped to take on the roles of president and vice-rector.

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“Her reach and her ability to carry forward her vision will do fantastic things for the city, for the university, the country and internationally, too,” Brutus said.

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New president and vice-rector Marie-Eve Sylvstre says uOttawa has “important budgetary and financial challenges,” but adds she wants to “make sure that this does not affect the quality of the education and the students’ experiences.” Photo by University of Ottawa /HandoutArticle content

One of the Sylvestre initiatives Brutus was looking forward to was her focus on local outreach. Despite the university’s reputable standing overall, Brutus said its presence in Ottawa could use some enhancement.