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For the first time in a decade, someone new is stepping into the University of Saskatchewan’s top spot.
USask has appointed Vince Bruni-Bossio as its 12th president and vice-chancellor. He takes over from Peter Stoicheff, who’s held the presidency since 2015.
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“Thank you for this great honour. Thank you for your trust,” Bruni-Bossio said to those gathered in the Convocation Hall during the announcement on Aug. 12. “The University of Saskatchewan is the lens by which the world sees Saskatchewan.”
Woven throughout Bruni-Brossio’s speech was the notion of “moving forward together,” which he said guides his work.
He said universities are in a time where they’re being asked to demonstrate their value, showing their relevancy even as technology evolves and success at such a time will come from connections with local communities.
According to Bruni-Brossio, the best ideas develop from transparency, listening, and shared-decision making.
“To truly move forward together, we will need to be a … gathering place where all communities and peoples from all places across the province and from different walks of life can share their different perspective,” he said.
According a news release from the university, Bruni-Bossio comes into the role with a PhD from Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and an MBA from Edwards School of Business, where he also worked as a faculty member starting in 2012.
He was the recipient of the 3M National Teaching Fellowship in 2022, considered Canada’s most prestigious teaching award, and received numerous awards for his teaching at USask.
Even with his accolades and long-standing connections to USask, it took a “global search” to determine who would take over the role, according to the release.
Bruni-Brossio’s five-year term begins Jan. 1, 2026 following a transition process led by chancellor Scott Banda.
The university’s “Be What The World Needs” fundraising campaign, is part of Stoicheff’s legacy.
In 2023, Stoicheff said the campaign’s beginning coincided with the start of his presidency, although it wasn’t publicly announced until eight years later.
In June, USask announced it had exceeded its goal, raising over $570 million.
The money will support research, Indigenous student success, building first-class labs and buildings.
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