The two Vice-Rectors and the Secretary General are appointed by the Superior of the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate with the approval of that organization’s council, on the recommendation of the Rector of the University after consultation with the members of the Senate and with the approval of the Council of Administration.
Role
The Vice-Rector, Academic and Research works closely with the Deans to set the University’s broad academic directions, design and regularly evaluate programs, recruit and retain professors, and establish student-recruitment strategies.
The Vice-Rector, Academic and Research oversees the University’s four faculties and their programs and schools, and the Library. The portfolio also includes several academic initiatives and services designed to help students make the most of their university experience and to guide professors in their academic pursuits.
Biography
Jean-Marc Barrette was born in 1964 in Lorrainville, in Quebec’s Témiscamingue region. After studying pure science at the Collège de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, he completed a BA, an MA and a PhD (1995) in French literature at the University of Ottawa. In addition to a number of scientific papers, he has published several books: Le Soleil de Pierre (a novel, Vents d’Ouest, 2001, 222 p.), L’Univers de Michel Tremblay: dictionnaire des personnages (Presses de l’Université de Montréal, 1996, 544 p.), and Index numérique et descriptif du fonds François-Xavier-Garneau (Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française [CRCCF], 1995, xx-115 p.). He also coedited Hommage aux Premiers Prix du Concours provincial de français de l’Ontario – depuis 1938 (1992, 112 p.).
He first worked as a part-time instructor at the Collège de l’Outaouais, then at the University of Ottawa and the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. He moved on to become news director for a regional weekly, then in 1999 was recruited by the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) to head research development. In late 2004 he was appointed executive assistant to uOttawa’s Vice-President Academic and Provost, where his duties included strategic academic planning. He was appointed Vice-Rector, Academic and Research at Saint Paul University in 2011.
Role
The Vice-Rector, Administration is the financial and administrative director of Saint Paul University. As such, he oversees the management of the human, financial and material resources the University needs to carry out its mission, and ensures that members of the University community have access to the services and resources they need to make the most of their university experience. The Vice-Rector, Administration is responsible for ĚÇĐÄĆĆ˝â°ćU’s Financial Services, Human Resources, Campus Services, Computer and Distance Education Services, and Food and Conference Services.
Biography
Ms. Sorrell brings a strong background in operational and financial leadership across both municipal and post-secondary institutions. In her most recent role, she served as Director of Operations and Human Resources for the Municipality of Casselman, where she holds a senior management role overseeing administrative, financial, and operational governance, while supporting strategic planning, risk management, and process transformation.
Ms. Sorrell also spent 12 years at the University of Ottawa in financial management, operations, and institutional project management, where she played a key role in implementing major ERP systems and harmonizing administrative practices. Her career reflects her integrity, her thoroughness, her openness to change, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Role
The Secretary General, Governance and Student Life, is primarily responsible for the governance of Saint Paul University. The secretarial services necessary for the proper functioning of the Senate, the Board of Governors, and their respective committees fall under their responsibility. In this capacity, the Secretary General ensures the integrity and dissemination of decisions made by the various bodies and is responsible for the University’s administrative archives. As part of their duties, they oversee the Pastoral Care Service, the Student Success Centre, the Indigenous Initiatives Service, and the Communications Office.
In addition to ensuring compliance with the charters and statutes of Saint Paul University, the Secretary General safeguards the institution’s rights through rigorous monitoring and updating of its policies and regulations, in accordance with applicable laws. They certify all official documents issued by the University, with the exception of transcripts, and oversee the smooth running of institutional events, including convocation ceremonies.
Biography
Mr. Fournier brings extensive experience in public administration and communications. In his most recent role, he served as Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Commission at the National Capital Commission, a role that closely parallels that of our Secretary General.
Mr. Fournier’s career experience includes senior roles in several prominent federal institutions, including the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology. He has also held communication leadership roles at the National Capital Commission and served as Director of Communications and Public Relations at Collège La Cité.
Beyond his professional career, Mr. Fournier has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the Franco-Ontarian community through over a decade of service on the board of directors of ACFO Ottawa.