Memorial’s Board of Regents has approved the reappointment of Glenn Blackwood as vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute) for a second five-year term effective Nov. 1, 2016.

Mr. Blackwood was originally appointed as executive director of the Fisheries and Marine Institute in 2005, a role that expanded to become vice-president of Memorial University (Marine Institute) in 2011.

In December 2015 Mr. Blackwood indicated his willingness to be renewed for an additional five-year term and, in accordance with university procedures, a review of his performance was initiated.

A review committee chaired by the president and comprised of Marine Institute students, senior management, faculty, staff, research scientists and technical personnel, completed a review of Mr. Blackwood’s performance which included extensive feedback from both the Memorial and external communities.

“I want to thank all of the many people who made submissions during the consultation process,” said President Gary Kachanoski. “There is enthusiastic support for Mr. Blackwood’s leadership within the university and across the industry, and the review committee was unanimous in recommending his re-appointment.”

President Kachanoski added, “The Marine Institute is now well positioned within Memorial University to further advance our reputation as educational, applied research and industrial training leaders for the fisheries, marine transportation, ocean technology and ocean safety sectors on the national and international stage under Mr. Blackwood’s guidance.”

“I’m honoured and humbled by the endorsement that I received for this reappointment,” said Mr. Blackwood. “Everyone at the Marine Institute has been responsible for its tremendous growth over the past decade and I appreciate their continued commitment to achieve our vision of becoming a world oceans institute within Memorial University. I believe our province’s future lies with the ocean and we are focused and will work diligently to enable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and the province to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by the ocean and maritime sectors, both at home and around the world.”