Lakehead University President Term Extended

(Thunder Bay -- January 13, 2005) Jackie Dojack, Chair of the Board of Governors of Lakehead University, today announced the renewal of the contract of Dr. Frederick Gilbert, President of Lakehead University.

The unanimous vote of confidence by the Board of Governors extends Dr. Gilbert's current contract, which was due to be completed on December 31, 2006, to May 31, 2010.

"A committee had been specially struck to obtain input from the University community to inform the decision process of whether Dr. Gilbert's contract would be extended or whether a search for a new president would take place following the completion of Dr. Gilbert's current term," says Dojack. "The Board was unanimous in its decision to extend Dr. Gilbert's contract."

The unanimous motion was passed on Friday, January 7, in a meeting and conference call of 28 members of the Board of Governors of Lakehead University.

"Lakehead University has experienced many challenges over the last few years, many of which are directly attributable to inadequate funding and a declining university student population in the northwestern region, the primary catchment area of Lakehead University," Dojack adds. "Despite these challenges, Dr. Gilbert has leveraged the strengths of the University faculty and researchers, staff, and alumni to embark on a vision of academic excellence and technology-assisted learning. Some of these challenges will continue to tax the University's limited resources, passion, and creativity, but the Board, with broad support from the University community, believes Dr. Gilbert will continue to lead the University to enable it to carve a special niche among institutions of higher learning, while enhancing its economic impact on the City of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario."

Members of the Media: Jackie Dojack may be reached for an interview directly at 807-345-3840.

To reach Dr. Gilbert for comment, please call the Office of Communications at 807-343-8177.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177 or 472-9113