Professor Bruce Kidd appointed interim vice-president and principal, UTSC
Published: February 27, 2014
Professor Bruce Kidd, Warden of Hart House and past dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health (now the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education), has been appointed interim vice-president and principal, University of Toronto Scarborough.
Kidd, whose appointment was approved February 27 by the university’s Governing Council, will serve until March 1, 2015 or until a successor is appointed and takes office.
“Professor Kidd is an outstanding citizen of the University and an accomplished scholar, teacher and mentor,” said President Meric Gertler. “I am delighted that he will be bringing his talents to the University of Toronto Scarborough.”
Kidd has served as Warden of Hart House since 2012 and was dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health from 1998 to 2010. A former Olympian and an Officer of the Order of Canada, he has an undergraduate degree in political economy from the University of Toronto, a Masters in education from the University of Chicago and a Masters and PhD in History from York University. He has authored or edited 10 books and hundreds of articles, reports, plays and scripts on sports and culture.
"This is an important year for UTSC,” said Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr, “The campus is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is preparing to welcome the Pan-Am Games in 2015. Professor Kidd’s dedication to scholarship, sport, and community-building makes him the ideal leader for this moment in UTSC’s history.”
Kidd takes over the role from Franco Vaccarino, who has been appointed the next president at the University of Guelph.
“I’m excited to be joining the leadership team at UTSC and I’m looking forward to working with students, faculty and staff,” said Kidd, “I’ve always liked the culture at Scarborough: it promotes innovative thinking in the context of a warm and personal student life and community engagement, and I’m excited to contribute to building that culture. It will also provide me with the opportunity to strengthen the links between UTSC and Hart House, where all UTSC students are members.”
During this assignment, Rita O’Brien will serve as Acting Warden of Hart House. Professor Kidd will continue to contribute to the major initiatives underway in Hart House, including its green heritage infrastructural renewal project.
