Reappointment of Professor William A. Gough, Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean, University of Toronto Scarborough (PDAD&C #34)

From: Wisdom Tettey, Vice-President & Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough
Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President & Provost
Date: December 15, 2020
Re: Reappointment of Professor William A. Gough, Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean, University of Toronto Scarborough (PDAD&C #34)

We are pleased to announce that the Agenda Committee of Academic Board has approved the reappointment of Professor William A. Gough, Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean, University of Toronto Scarborough, for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021.

Professor William Gough is a renowned researcher and scholar with an excellent track-record as an administrator, and has been noted for his keen knowledge of University governance. His administrative career at UTSC spans more than ten years, and includes serving in several roles such as Chair of the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences (2010-2013), Vice-Dean, Graduate Education & Program Development (2009-2015), Vice-Dean, Faculty (2015), and most recently, as the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean (2016 to present). Professor Gough has served on the Governing Council’s Executive and Elections Committees, as well as Chair of UTSC’s Campus Council.  

Professor Gough is committed to the University’s values and principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and has been a steadfast advocate for the inclusive excellence priorities established under UTSC’s new strategic plan. In particular, his leadership in the areas of quality of education, strategic enrolment management and Indigenous initiatives in relation to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has strengthened UTSC’s standing as a place of transformative learning, scholarly prominence and inclusive citizenship. His commitment to access to education has resulted in several exciting initiatives for the campus such as bridging programs with Seneca, Centennial and Loyalist Colleges, residence bursaries for rural students, UTSC Transition Year Program and an outreach strategy for the Pickering, Ajax and Whitby region.

Professor Gough is a leading researcher of climate change in the Eastern Arctic, South-Western Ontario, and Toronto. Among his areas of focus are climate change impact assessment, urban climates, and air quality.  He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the UTSC Faculty Teaching Award, the SCSU Teaching Award, and the Canadian Association of Geographers awards for Excellence in Teaching and for Service to Geography.

Mostly recently, throughout the challenges of COVID-19, Professor Gough has been a key partner on the leadership team, providing critical academic guidance and direction for the campus. He continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to excellence, empathetic leadership, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the future for UTSC and the University. Professor Gough’s leadership, achievements, and dedication to the University and UTSC’s missions make him ideally suited to continue in the role of Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Gough on this appointment.