President David H. Turpin, CM, PhD, FRSC
David H. Turpin, CM, PhD, FRSC, became the sixth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria in 2000.
Under Dr. Turpin's leadership, the University of Victoria adopted a strategic plan which set long-term goals and expressed the vision of being a university of choice for outstanding students, faculty and staff from British Columbia, Canada and around the world. The plan is regularly reviewed and the current version, A Vision for the Future – Building on Excellence, which reaffirms the university's vision, goals and mission and recommits to the highest standards of excellence in all areas of endeavour, was approved by the Senate and Board of Governors in January 2012.
The University of Victoria has witnessed tremendous growth, as student enrolment has increased, student financial assistance has more than doubled, and sponsored research funding has nearly quadrupled to more than $100 million per year. UVic's stature as a leader in research and teaching is reflected in its presence among the top 200 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings. A number of new degree programs have been established, especially at the graduate level. The introduction of programs such as LE,NONET aimed at helping Indigenous students succeed at university and the building of the First Peoples House on campus have increased enrolment of and provided a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous students. UVic has become a partner in the expansion of medical education in British Columbia and was chosen as the lead Canadian institution in the $300 million NEPTUNE project, an international effort to create an extensive cabled network monitoring the ocean floor from California to Vancouver Island. In 2008 the Province of British Columbia established the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions with the largest contribution to a university's endowment in Canada's history ($95 million). PICS is hosted and led by UVic in collaboration with the three other research-intensive universities in British Columbia, to seek and develop innovative climate change solutions. The university has also developed the Vancouver Island Technology Park into the largest university-owned technology park in the province.
Dr. Turpin obtained his PhD in botany and oceanography from the University of British Columbia in 1980. Before joining the University of Victoria, he served as Vice-Principal Academic and Dean of Arts and Science at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Turpin has been listed as a highly cited researcher by Thomson ISI for his work in the fields of plant biochemistry and physiology. He has received numerous honours and distinctions for his many contributions, including the Steacie Fellowship, election to the Royal Society of Canada, membership in the Order of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Dr. Turpin has played a leadership role in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and he serves on numerous boards and commissions. He is Vice-Chair of the Board of the World University Services of Canada and a member of the Board of Governors for the Business Council of British Columbia. Dr. Turpin plays a leadership role in events and organizations that make a difference in the lives of community members in the region and served as Chair of the United Way of Greater Victoria campaign.
