Provost David Graham announces changes in office
Concordia University Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs David Graham announced today that Rama Bhat has completed his term as Vice-Provost, Academic Relations.
“Rama’s extraordinary dedication and service over the years are well known throughout the Concordia community,” says Provost David Graham. “I am extremely grateful to him for the leadership and care he brought to the position of Vice-Provost during the past three years.”
Bhat, who joined Concordia’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in 1979, has served in several senior leadership roles, including Chair of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.
As Vice-Provost, Academic Relations from August 2008 to June 30, 2011, Bhat provided guidance and support to the Faculties and the University Library in order to ensure compliance with the collective agreements of full-time librarians and part-time faculty. Additionally, he initiated new training programs for department chairs, and launched an initiative to showcase research and creative works by part-time faculty. He also suggested the creation of the Provost’s Circle of Distinction, which recognizes members of Concordia’s faculty who have received major external honors.
Bhat will continue to teach and supervise graduate students in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
Serge Bergeron appointed Associate Vice-President, Academic Operations
The Provost is pleased to announce the appointment of Serge Bergeron to the newly created position of Associate Vice-President, Academic Operations.
Bergeron, who assumed his duties on July 1, 2011, will oversee all aspects of administration related to the operations of Concordia’s academic sector. He will be responsible for planning, managing and controlling the sector’s administrative operations including personnel, and course and program costing. He will also oversee financial planning and management of the operating and capital budgets, which are in excess of $220 million. To this end, he will be working closely with the Deans, directors and academic units to support them in their planning, training and resource optimization efforts. Bergeron will provide high-level support to the Provost on all aspects of financial and human resource planning, and will oversee the planning, development and maintenance of Concordia’s new Faculty Resource Information System.
“Serge brings more than two decades of experience working in the academic, finance and service sectors. As a long-time Concordia employee, he understands the institution, players, challenges and the opportunities. I look forward to working with him in this new role,” explains Provost David Graham.
Bergeron joined Concordia as a part-time employee in 1987, becoming full time in 1989. During his career at the university, Bergeron has progressed to assume more senior roles, including his recent position as Executive Director, Academic Planning and Budgets (2005-2008); Director, Administrative Services in the Faculty of Arts and Science (2003-2005); and positions with Financial Services and the Registrar’s Office.
“I am happy to have been asked to take on this important role,” says Bergeron, who holds an Executive MBA from Concordia’s John Molson School of Business and was voted class president by his peers. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and members of the Office of the Provost to support Concordia’s vision and mission.”
Related link:
• Office of the Provost