Professor Ulrich Krull has been appointed as the new interim vice president of UTM until August 31, 2017.
Krull has served the UTM campus for over 30 years as a professor of analytical chemistry as well as other positions, including vice-dean for graduates and vice-principal for research.
Prior to his time at UTM, Krull has served positions at UTSG, and is recognized as one of the leading analytical chemists in Canada.
Krull said he wants to give a sense that “we’re actually working together as a community.”
He expressed concern towards the tendency of student isolation to increase as a place grows, referring to the rapid growth of UTM and its new buildings.
“What I’m going to be trying to do is ensure everybody here, whether it’s a student, staff member, faculty, understand[s] that they are part of a community,” he said.
Krull stated that there will be monthly town hall meetings, so that students can discuss their concerns.
“I’m going to be much more visible than has happened in the lastyears,” he said.
Krull will use this year to address significant growth adjustments, including addressing the need for extra space in science labs, hiring world-leading faculty, improving the academic programs, and showing that the research at UTM can compete with the best universities in the world.
According to Krull, this year is an “opportune time” for the UTM community to work its way toward future success, adding that Canada’s 150th anniversary celebration coincides with the 50th anniversary of UTM’s campus.
“People should feel that they are […] visible and [that] their voice counts,” he said.
After Krull’s term as principal, the search committee, comprised of stakeholders, representatives from UTM such as faculty, staff, and students, as well as representatives from the UTSG and UTSC campuses, will be assembled by U of T’s president, Meric Gertler.
The search committee will then search for someone to fill in the permanent principal position for a term of five years.
