University of Winnipeg Begins Search for New President After Sudden Ouster

The University of Winnipeg has initiated a search for a new president following the unexpected removal of Todd Mondor. The board of regents made the decision during a meeting on Monday night, resulting in Mondor vacating his role immediately. He had started his tenure on April 1, 2022, with a term scheduled to last five years until June 30, 2027.

Michelle Pereira, chair of the board, confirmed Mondor’s departure but provided limited details about the circumstances surrounding it. She stated, “In the best interest of both parties, he vacated the role, officially, today.” While Pereira noted that it is not unusual for leaders to exit mid-term, she did not clarify whether Mondor would receive any severance pay. His annual salary was reported at $332,861 for 2024, according to the university’s latest public sector compensation report.

Pereira also confirmed that Mondor’s contract termination came shortly after a whistleblower complaint and an ensuing investigation into his office. While multiple sources indicated that this complaint played a role in the decision, Pereira insisted that the two matters were unrelated. “These two items are not related,” she stated, having been appointed to her role in August 2023.

The complaint, brought to the Manitoba Ombudsman in late April, alleged misconduct and raised concerns about high employee turnover, a lack of transparency regarding cost-cutting measures, and restrictions on protests at the university. The ombudsman recently determined that the six-page submission warranted further investigation.

Mondor, who previously addressed concerns about the complaint, remarked in an interview, “It might be unusual to have a whistleblower complaint, but that may be more reflective of the person who filed it rather than the culture at the U of W.” His brief tenure was marked by significant challenges, including a decline in international student enrollment and a March 2024 cybersecurity incident that disrupted classes and university operations.

Faculty members have expressed shock at the sudden leadership change. Peter Miller, classics professor and president of the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association, described the situation as “the most unexpected event of the year.” He noted that his colleagues were equally taken aback when they learned of Mondor’s departure.

In contrast to the abruptness of Mondor’s exit, Miller recalled the mid-term departure of former president Annette Trimbee in March 2020, which was communicated with ample notice to the university community. “I have questions about the circumstances leading up to Mondor’s exit and the timeline for a leadership search,” he stated.

The next president will step into a university that has recently finalized a strategic plan for 2025-30, developed in collaboration with community members. While acknowledging Mondor’s role in leading the project, Miller emphasized that “that vision is larger than any single person.” Pereira echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of focusing on the university’s new strategic direction.

As the search for an interim president begins, Pereira estimated that an announcement could be made within one to two weeks. In the meantime, Pavlina Radia, the provost and vice-president, academic, will assume responsibilities in an acting capacity.

Mondor, who graduated with honours from the University of Winnipeg in 1987, previously held leadership roles at the University of Manitoba for over two decades. He was the tenth president and vice-chancellor of his alma mater. The circumstances surrounding his departure raise significant questions about the future direction of the university and the challenges that lie ahead for its next leader.