Laurentian University focused on rebuilding, student success

The president of Laurentian University is reflecting on her first six months at the Sudbury school.

Lynn Wells was the keynote speaker a luncheon Tuesday hosted by the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce in Copper Cliff. Since joining Laurentian, Wells said her focus has been the university’s five-year strategic plan.

Laurentian University president Lynn Wells was keynote speaker a luncheon Tuesday hosted by the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce in Copper Cliff. (Photo from video)

“There are lots of great initiatives there around enhancing our student experience and energizing our academic and research missions, valuing our people and building up our communities," she said.

"Those are our four pillars and there's lots to work with in there.”

In the last few months, Wells said Laurentian has hired 20 new faculty members in key areas, which includes bilingual and Indigenous members. It's part of LU's reemergence after declaring insolvency three years ago.

"There were so many individuals who unfortunately lost their jobs during the CCAA process," she said.

"There are … key areas where we need capacity in places like IT and academic advising and in facilities and all across the institution. Really, we need to build the entire institution up again."

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The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce said the biggest difference in leadership is Wells’ commitment to the business community, recognizing Laurentian’s impact on the city’s economy.

“I do feel she's identified how important Laurentian is to the business community," said chamber chair Trevor Lalonde.

"How much we rely on Laurentian as not only a source of a lot of our employees, but also as our research facility (and as) a customer for a lot of our businesses. So it has a big role in our community as a whole.”

Looking ahead, Wells said her key focus is ensuring students and staff are happy and that the community regains trust in the university.