Western University’s Amit Chakma re-appointed to second term

Western University’s Board of Governors has re-appointed President and Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma to a second five-year term, ending on June 30, 2019. The unanimous action comes a year and a half before the current term’s expiration on June 30, 2014.

"The Board has been impressed with Dr. Chakma's contributions in his first term as president,” said Western’s Board Chair Stephen Coxford. “Under his leadership, Western has continued to attract some of the finest students in Canada, while at the same time increasing the number of international students. The Board of Governors has full confidence in Dr. Chakma and his team will continue to raise the quality, prestige and profile of Western."

On July 1, 2009, Chakma was named Western’s 10th president and vice-chancellor, succeeding Paul Davenport. The timing of the decision is determined by the board-approved protocol on presidential review and re-appointment.

“It is an honour to be asked to serve a second term as Western’s president,” said Chakma. “In my time here, I have been impressed by the passion and commitment of faculty, staff, students and alumni in raising Western’s profile for excellence.

“I am keenly aware of the great leadership that came before me and on which we continue to build.” added Chakma. “Western is at an important point in our history as we begin an important strategic planning process and I encourage all members of the campus community to participate in helping shape the future of this great institution.”

Chakma arrived at Western after serving the University of Waterloo since 2001 as vice-president, academic and provost, and as a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Prior to that, he served as Engineering dean and then vice-president (research) and international liaison officer at the University of Regina. He began his academic career as a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary.

Chakma earned his undergraduate degree from the Algerian Petroleum Institute and masters and PhD from the University of British Columbia. The author of more than 100 articles, he is a leading expert in areas related to petroleum research and energy management.