2024 marks Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle’s fifth year here at the University of New Brunswick. A year since reappointment, The Baron sat down with President Mazerolle to learn more about what his second term has in store for UNB.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
It’s been a year since the implementation of the provost model- are you happy with the progress made?
The provost model is easily the largest institutional change made in the last sixty years. I am pleased to report we have made a lot of movement. We’re using the best of what’s here in Saint John and Fredericton and applying it across the university. So, I am happy, not overjoyed. There’s still work to be done to ensure everyone benefits from the model.
Touching upon your agenda since reappointment, what are some recent developments the UNB community should be aware of?
Since my reappointment about a year and a half ago, there have been some significant changes that have been introduced which include a cap on international students and funding. But I remain optimistic about our momentum. Capital infrastructure for example has increased by $200 Million with construction underway on both campuses. Our strategic partnerships continue to flourish to ensure there are new experiential education opportunities for students with the help of partners such as NB Power, Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, and Shannex. Our rankings too have risen by about 200 spots in terms of international rankings, with our computer science program being amongst the top 250 in the world. Our research grants are growing. And so is our team with new deans. We have also hosted several workshops in support of our commitment to Equity, Diversity,
Inclusion, and indigenization
The recent changes made by IRCC regarding an international student cap is set to cost Atlantic Canada about $163M.What do these changes mean for UNB?
This is a real number. We are taking a hit. A seven-figure hit in our revenues. But we do have mitigation facilities in place. We can manage the storm but will continue to plan for the next year. With the introduction of an international student cap, we hope to focus on growing student enrollment in our online programs.
Focusing a bit on the ongoing tensions that impact our campus community and beyond. What is the role of institutional neutrality during times of global crisis? And how can our community thrive during unprecedented times?
This is an important issue. Last May, we issued a statement that focused on institutional autonomy and political neutrality. As an academic institution, we recognize that we are home to the critics but we do not want to be the critic. If we believe in academic freedom, if there’s such thing as institutional freedom, we risk marginalizing voices that contrast that of the institution. We support freedom of speech, debates, and dialogues and in fact, encourage it. As an institution, however, we don’t feel the need to pick sides which is a decision our board supports and stands by. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to
exercise their freedom of speech to the best of their abilities.
Getting a bit personal, what was life like as a criminologist in Maryland? How has your career in academia framed the leadership you practice?
So I’ve studied in Maryland, Northeastern, and UNB. Maryland was a top spot for criminology. It was, of course, a very rigorous program. Where I met several mentors. Those were exciting times and colleagues. It’s where I started my criminology career after publishing my research on the causes of youth offending. So, if you are thinking of academia be sure to pick an area with a vibrant academic community. These are enduring relationships. Of course, it impacted my leadership. The chair of the department, Charlie, I learned a lot from. You learn from who you associate with. My leadership is evolutionary;
you learn from learning and doing. Some of my leadership developments have just been through growing and learning from life. My leadership is still evolving, I am still growing.
Are you a Durkheimian, Rousseauian, Lockean, or Hobbesian?
I hold a high regard for all of them. Durkheim is more of a functionalist who published the strain theory. I would call myself more of a John Locke person, with a focus on rule of law, and individual rights. Hobbes is often considered an authoritarian political theorist, which I absolutely do not agree with.
Are there any yearly UNB traditions you look forward to as an alumnus yourself?
Fall, at UNB I’m in love with. The magic comes in August. The campus is buzzing with young people and students returning. As for traditions our graduate ceremonies and Encaenia would both be traditions I look forward to. Who doesn’t love celebrating young graduates? I also love game nights. Watching the Seawolves and the Reds. Although I must confess, I probably do end up watching more hockey as a hockey player myself.
Do you have a favorite spot on the Saint John campus?
The Commons is a great facility. But the quad is probably my favorite spot. The Health and Innovative Social Centre will rival it soon too, I suppose as it is being built by the same architecture as that of the commons. For now, I am personally a fan of watching and hearing the birds, and the blue sky while sitting in the quad- of course, the construction has paused my plans for a little.
Any favorite books that you would like to recommend to our students gearing up for their winter break?
Oh, there’s lots! The ones I can think of for now include: “Unicorn in the Woods” by Gordan Pitts, an excellent read on New Brunswick entrepreneurship. The other book, I’d like to recommend is titled “To Rescue of the Republic” a book on the elections of 1876 that recounts the life of Ulysses S. Grant, a renowned Civil War general, President, and national icon.
The Baron would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Mazerolle for taking the time to speak with us.
