Ontario Tech University Appoints Dr. Mary Bluechardt as Deputy Provost
Dr. Mary Bluechardt has been appointed Deputy Provost at Ontario Tech University, with her term beginning on January 1, 2025, according to an announcement from the university. She has served as Interim Deputy Provost since October 1, 2023, and previously held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech.
The appointment marks a change in senior leadership at Ontario Tech University, which may be of interest to those connected to post-secondary education in Durham Region. The announcement outlines the wide scope of Dr. Bluechardt's responsibilities that impact student services and academic operations.
According to the university, Dr. Bluechardt's portfolio as Deputy Provost includes oversight of Student Life, which encompasses Athletics and Recreation, Student Support Services, and Operations and Planning. Additional areas of responsibility, as stated by Ontario Tech University, are Careers, Co-op, Experiential Learning, Student Advising, the Teaching and Learning Centre, Continuous Learning, and Indigenous Education Cultural Services. The announcement states she will work with Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, to engage deans, faculty, and staff on operational and academic priorities.
Ontario Tech University reports that Dr. Bluechardt has more than 34 years of experience in post-secondary education. Her previous administrative roles include President and Vice-Chancellor at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Vice-President at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Dean at Memorial University’s School of Human Kinetics and Recreation. Dr. Bluechardt worked as a professor at the University of Regina for 17 years, teaching in the faculties of Kinesiology and Health Studies and Education.
The university also notes that Dr. Bluechardt has served as National Director for Coaching Development with Special Olympics Canada and has participated in the Sport for Life Long-Term Athlete Development Model. Her credentials include membership in the International Coaching Federation, certification in executive coaching from Royal Roads University, and certification in conflict resolution from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master of Science in Coaching and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.
In its announcement, Ontario Tech University described Dr. Bluechardt's return to the institution as Deputy Provost. Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, recognized Dr. Bluechardt’s work during her interim term.