(Toronto – June 19, 2014) The Board of Governors of OCAD University has announced that President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sara Diamond will be renewed for a third five-year term, beginning July 1, 2015.

An extensive review process was conducted between March and June, 2014. It included internal and external interviews, an online survey of faculty, staff and students and third-party analysis of the feedback.

“As CEO of the university, President Diamond has an excellent track record of raising funds, expanding graduate studies and elevating the profile of the university with institutions and collaborators around the world,” said Ian Tudhope, Chair of the Board of Governors and leader of the Presidential Review Committee. “Dr. Diamond has shown vision, courage and tireless advocacy on behalf of the university during a time of rapid change and transformation.”

In July 2005, Dr. Diamond became the university’s 13th president. Among achievements under her leadership:

• Leading the transition from an established art and design school to a specialized university, including the integration of a broader curriculum, graduate studies and research capacity;
• Building awareness of OCAD University’s exceptional imagination and impact, opening its doors and taking its talent to Toronto and the world through programs, events, industry and not-for-profit partnerships and the creation of the Imagination Catalyst, an entrepreneurship incubator;
• Facilitating the university’s transition to a leader in the digital world through the Digital Futures Initiative, which integrates traditional and digital technology and teaching, as well as the Digital Media Research + Innovation Institute;
• Leading the creation of the south campus of OCAD University, comprising buildings on Richmond Street West as well as the future Mirvish+Gehry development on King Street, which will provide space for students.

“It is a great honour to be asked to lead OCAD University, an institution whose students, faculty and alumni contribute immensely to making our complex world healthier, sustainable, inclusive, economically powerful and of course – beautiful – through the power of art and design.” said Dr. Diamond. “I am passionately committed to collaborating with our talented community, Board of Governors, Senate and many institutional partners and supporters to consolidate and shape the next, great époque of OCAD University, Canada’s university of the imagination.”

Dr. Diamond is founding member of GRAND's Board of Directors and was a member of the search committee for GRAND's second Scientific Director. In 2013, she was honoured as a Canadian Digital Media Pioneer for her contributions to Canadian digital culture and her committment to interdisciplinary collaboration among artists and scientists in Canada. For the complete award citation, visit the CDMPAwards webpage.

About OCAD University (OCAD U)

OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca) is Canada’s “university of the imagination.” The University, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

For more information please contact:

Christine Crosbie, Media Relations Officer, OCAD University
416-977-6000 x4890