In conversation with Concordia's new president
Greater international competition? Higher expectations? For Alan Shepard, the answer to these challenges is: we're ready!
"Concordia is a place with a huge future," says the university's new president. "This is the time for urban universities. It's the time for multidisciplinary work. That's a real strength at Concordia."
His positive outlook and passion -- immediately evident to those who meet him -- are going to serve Shepard well in leading the university at a time he calls pivotal, not just for Concordia but for higher-learning institutions everywhere.
Shepard arrived at the university August 1 after five years as provost at Ryerson University. There, he led the development and execution of a successful academic strategy and played a key role in four major capital projects -- experiences that will help him guide Concordia at this dynamic and transformative period in its development, amidst a new academic plan and ongoing urban renewal.
He points to his new university's many strong elements, including nationally and internationally recognized programs and research centres. Yet Concordia also has what he calls "invisible strengths" -- such as collaboration across academic boundaries and with partners around the world.
"It's a network of programs, people, attitudes and intellectual interests that goes toward the interdisciplinary nature of the modern academy. One excellent example is the fusion of work in engineering, digital media, digital literacy and visual arts that's happening at Hexagram-Concordia, and other programs and research centres across all four Faculties."
Addressing challenges with optimism
Shepard was well aware he would face some challenges. Not one to shy away from difficult situations, he met reporters just days after his arrival, ready to face some tough questions.
Among those were queries about the university's governance issues. "I'm coming to my role with my eyes wide open," Shepard says. "I feel confident that Concordia is a strong institution with great depth, and it's ready to move forward with the support of the Board of Governors and Senate."
Student protest action against the government's increase in tuition fees, including a disruption at his public presentation in April, failed to dampen Shepard's spirit or humour. "I understood that I was caught up in a much larger public policy debate unfolding in Quebec and elsewhere," he says.
Shepard acknowledges that tuition remains a sensitive issue. Yet he points out that, no matter the source, Concordia will need additional funds to continue to provide quality education, hire top faculty in a competitive environment and evolve to fit its changing public role.
As he sees it, Concordia and indeed all universities are coming to terms with new pressures in a new millennium. "Suddenly we are at the epicentre of what's going on, and that's not actually a familiar role for universities," Shepard says.
"There was a time when we educated a tiny elite. Now we educate a great number of people, and the well-being of Montreal, Quebec, Canada -- the world -- all depends upon having graduates from universities like Concordia who are ready for the 21st century."
Shepard also looks forward to tackling another potential obstacle: "How will the technology of the 21st century change our work, change how we educate students, how students learn? I think students will push us. And that's a big challenge not just for Concordia but for everybody."
A perfect fit
Shepard is clearly prepared for his new role -- and given his career path, it would almost seem he's been gearing up specifically for Concordia.
In the late 1970s, the American-born Shepard entered St. Olaf College in Minnesota, the first in his family to go to university. He quickly learned the value of outstanding pedagogy. "Great teaching is life-affirming," he says.
The combination of teaching and research will remain essential Concordia goals, he adds. "It really matters to me that we offer the best programs, hire great faculty and have great research. That is why we're all here: a great education in a great environment -- to have that education suffused with research opportunities."
Shepard looks forward to getting to know the Concordia community. As he puts it, "we have great people here. Great people working together make great universities."
An expanded version of this article will appear in the fall 2012 Concordia University Magazine.
Related links:
- Welcome message from President and Vice-Chancellor Alan Shepard -- NOW, August 1, 2012
- "Alan Shepard named Concordia president and vice-chancellor" -- NOW, May 4, 2012
- Concordia University Magazine