“Dr. Rigg has provided clear, thoughtful and steady leadership during a time of change across the post-secondary sector.” – Anne McCourt, Chair of Brock’s Board of Trustees.
A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario
Posted May 11th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg in her office at Schmon Tower. (Photo by Stephen Leithwood)
Brock University has reappointed Dr. Lesley Rigg to a second term as President and Vice-Chancellor. The unanimous decision was made by the University’s Board of Trustees at its recent meeting and comes at a time when President Rigg has just over one year left on her current five-year term. The new appointment takes effect Nov. 1, 2027.
Since joining Brock, Rigg has led the University through a period of significant progress, guiding the development and launch of its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan — a community-informed roadmap focused on transforming people and reimagining the future.
Under her leadership, Brock has advanced a number of major academic and institutional initiatives. These include the launch of the University’s Integrated Engineering program, expansion of professional and continuing studies and micro-credentials, the opening of the Burlington Campus at the Robert Bateman Community Centre, and modernization of academic programming to support flexibility and future-ready learning.
Rigg has also strengthened Brock’s research enterprise, securing significant investments in areas such as sustainable agriculture, including the development of the Brock University Norris W. Walker Research Farm, and advancing industry partnerships through facilities like the Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI).
A strong advocate for the University and the sector, Rigg has elevated Brock’s presence provincially and nationally through leadership roles with organizations such as Universities Canada and the Council of Ontario Universities, while building relationships across government, industry and community partners to support student success, research and regional development.
Brock has made important strides under Rigg’s leadership in advancing financial sustainability and operational effectiveness. This includes the implementation of a multi-year budget model and the advancement of major infrastructure and sustainability efforts such as the SPARK initiative, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions and deferred maintenance needs.
“Dr. Rigg has provided clear, thoughtful and steady leadership during a time of change across the post-secondary sector,” says Anne McCourt, Chair of Brock’s Board of Trustees. “Her ability to bring people together around a shared vision has positioned Brock well for the future.”
Rigg has also played a key role in elevating Brock’s reputation, supporting co-ordinated efforts to strengthen the University’s national and global profile while reinforcing its identity as a university deeply connected to its community.
“I am honoured to continue serving Brock University and to work alongside our faculty, staff, students and partners to advance our shared priorities,” says Rigg. “There is strong momentum across the institution, and I look forward to building on that as we continue to support student success, research excellence and meaningful community impact.”
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