Carleton University, one of Canada’s premier institutions, has officially welcomed Professor Wisdom Tettey as its 17th President and Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Tettey, a distinguished academic and administrator, assumed office on January 1, 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience, an innovative mindset, and a passion for student success, equity, and transformative leadership.
Born and educated in Ghana, Prof. Tettey’s ascension to the presidency marks a significant milestone for Carleton University and highlights the global reach and influence of African scholars in higher education. His appointment follows an extensive search process and reflects the university’s commitment to inclusivity and visionary leadership.
A Vision of Transformative Leadership
In a heartfelt video address to the Carleton community, Prof. Tettey expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the institution and shared his vision for its future. He spoke passionately about building on Carleton’s strong foundation and fostering a community of conscientious global leaders who challenge societal norms and champion positive change.
“As I begin my tenure as Carleton University’s 17th President and Vice-Chancellor, I want to let you know how honoured, humbled, and grateful I am for the significant privilege of serving you,” Prof. Tettey stated. “I am excited about the transformative possibilities that lie ahead as we embark on this journey together and collectively build on a solid reputation that you, together with our partners, have forged.”
Despite acknowledging the challenges facing higher education, Prof. Tettey remains optimistic about Carleton’s future. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to inclusive excellence, innovation, and meaningful societal engagement. “Notwithstanding the current challenges that we and, indeed, our sector face, Carleton’s future looks bright. I believe in our capacity to sustain the unstoppable momentum supported by Carleton’s mission, culture, and spirit of inclusive excellence, innovation, engagement, and impact,” he added.
Prof. Tettey also expressed appreciation to those who facilitated his transition into the Carleton community, highlighting the collaborative and inclusive process that shaped his entry into the role.
A Distinguished Academic Journey
Professor Tettey’s appointment to lead Carleton University is a culmination of decades of academic and administrative excellence. Before joining Carleton, he served as Vice-President and Principal of the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), where he was instrumental in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
His academic career spans several prestigious institutions, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Calgary. At UBC, he held leadership roles as Dean of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences and the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at the Okanagan campus. He also served as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary.
Prof. Tettey’s research interests are interdisciplinary, focusing on media, politics, and civic engagement in Africa, as well as African higher education and the knowledge economy. His scholarly contributions have earned him recognition as a thought leader in these fields.
Ghanaian Roots and Global Impact
Born in Ghana, Prof. Tettey’s journey from West Africa to the helm of a major Canadian university is a testament to his dedication and resilience. He completed his undergraduate studies and a graduate diploma at the University of Ghana, one of Africa’s leading institutions. He later pursued a master’s degree at UBC and earned his PhD from Queen’s University in Canada.
Throughout his career, Prof. Tettey has remained deeply connected to his Ghanaian roots while contributing to global academic discourse. His leadership reflects a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and leveraging the power of education to address societal challenges.
Carleton’s Commitment to Inclusive Leadership
Carleton University’s Board of Governors announced Prof. Tettey’s appointment in April 2024, describing him as an inclusive and authentic leader. His extensive experience in academic administration, coupled with his research expertise, made him the ideal candidate to lead the institution into its next chapter.
Prof. Tettey succeeds Jerry Tomberlin, who served as interim president following the resignation of former president Benoit-Antoine Bacon. His appointment has been widely celebrated as a step forward for Carleton, which has a long-standing tradition of fostering innovation and inclusivity.
Building on a Legacy
As he takes the reins at Carleton, Prof. Tettey is focused on building upon the university’s strong foundation and charting a path toward greater innovation and global engagement. His leadership comes at a time when higher education institutions face unprecedented challenges, including shifting demographics, evolving technological landscapes, and financial pressures.
Prof. Tettey’s vision for Carleton is one of resilience, adaptability, and impact. He aims to position the university as a hub for transformative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. His commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence resonates with Carleton’s mission to shape future leaders who can navigate complex global issues.
Community Support and Optimism
The Carleton community has welcomed Prof. Tettey with enthusiasm and optimism. Students, faculty, and staff have expressed confidence in his ability to steer the university toward a bright future. His track record of fostering student success and championing equity aligns with Carleton’s core values and aspirations.
For Prof. Tettey, the journey ahead is one of collaboration and shared purpose. He believes that Carleton’s greatest strength lies in its people—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners—who collectively contribute to its legacy of excellence.
“I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we embark on this journey together,” he stated. “Together, we can build on Carleton’s strong foundation and create a future that reflects our shared commitment to innovation, inclusion, and impact.”
Looking Ahead
As Carleton University’s 17th President, Prof. Wisdom Tettey is poised to lead the institution into a new era of growth and transformation. His leadership represents a bridge between local and global perspectives, rooted in a deep understanding of the power of education to drive change.
With a bold vision for the future, Prof. Tettey is set to inspire the Carleton community to achieve new heights and continue its legacy as a leader in higher education. His tenure promises to be a dynamic chapter in the university’s history, marked by innovation, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
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