“I’m going to miss you all.”
Western President Paul Davenport shared stories of his 15 years at the university at a recent Leaders’ Forum gathering.
University of Western Ontario President Paul Davenport reflected on 15 years at the helm of one of Canada’s oldest universities during the Leaders’ Forum for Academic and Administrative Leaders on March 5.
Davenport’s third term and presidency expire at the end of June.
At what may be his last leaders’ forum, Davenport offered insight into the strategies that guided him through the challenges and triumphs of helping Western rebound to its status as a leading research-intensive university.
“This is going to be a personal talk,” he began.
Throughout his years at Western, Davenport followed seven basic guidelines:
1. Set directions early
2. Build your team
3. Use your voice
4. Stay the course
5. Keep in touch with the people who count
6. Follow the numbers
7. Tell the truth
What could be described as his seven mantras, Davenport says these leadership strategies helped him keep a steady hand on the wheel.
But the road to leadership at Western began well before Davenport set foot onto the campus.
He began as an economics professor at McGill University, and taking on an administrative position seemed an unlikely fit at the time. However, through a series of events he climbed the ranks to Vice-Principal for Planning and Computer Services at McGill. He was later appointed President of the University of Alberta.
When Davenport was became president of Western on July 1, 1994, he had his work cut out for him.
First-year entering grades were below the provincial average and the university had an entrenched reputation as a party school. As well, Western was lacking in successful research grants in relation to comparable universities.
Rather than ease into his new position as president, Davenport chose to face the challenges head-on and to outline his direction through a strategic plan.
“You need a strategic plan … so you know what is important and maintain core values,” he says. “Set out who you are early and let people hold you accountable.”
Davenport also understood it was going to take time for institutional changes to take place and reposition Western among the top universities in the country.
He also joked about his catchphrase “the best student experience,” saying he never talked to anyone without introducing it into the conversation. He pointed out this reputation has been reinforced by Western’s top ranking for student satisfaction seven years in a row on The Globe and Mail’s Canadian University Report.
Even in times where his decisions were questioned, such as the public and media frenzy following the announcement of Western bestowing an honorary degree to Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Davenport stuck to his beliefs.
“I survived it because even my fiercest critics believed I was telling the truth,” he says.
Although he misses the contact he had with students as a faculty member, Davenport does not regret his decision to move into a university leadership role.
“I am so grateful for my 15 years at Western because of the tremendous people around me,” he says. “I think I have the best job in the world.”
Among those who supported Davenport’s leadership was Provost & Vice President (Academic) Fred Longstaffe, who learned the first day on the job what it was like to be in the president’s shoes.
“He was showing me he had trust in me, confidence in me to lead and to realize I could be part of this team,” he says of his experience as ‘acting president.’ “And with that confidence I have been able to move forward.”
Similarly, Gitta Kulczyckil Vice-President (Resources & Operations) and Ted Garrard, Vice President (External), expressed how they were influenced by Davenport’s leadership style.
“Having a leader we can respect and follow is certainly important,” says Ted Hewitt, Vice-President (Research & International Relations). “The kind of leadership I look for I find in Paul every day.”
Davenport says he has confidence in the future of the university under the guidance of Amit Chakma.
“This is a very great institution and you have a great person following me,” he says. “I wish Western every success in the future.”
“I thank you for 15 wonderful years,” he says as managers and leaders rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation.