Memorial University interim president Neil Bose retiring in April

Memorial University’s interim president, Dr. Neil Bose, will retire in April, Bose announced Friday.

The former naval engineering professor wrote in the The Gazette that he would be leaving the institution after serving a two-year term as president and vice chancellor.

He began that job in April 2023, following the removal of MUN’s controversial former president and vice-chancellor Vianne Timmons. 

MUN has undergone two scathing audits since Bose took office in 2023. The first, released in October 2023, found compensation policies that were either outdated or non-existent between April 2019 and December 2022 and noted a lack of oversight had led to higher salaries compared with most other Canadian universities.

This month, an audit of its facilities management revealed the institution ignored asbestos and mould in favour of overspending on laptops and heavy machinery. 

In December, Bose announced MUN is curbing the hiring of professors, researchers and other staff to deal with a loss of more than $9.5 million in tuition fees following a drop in student enrolment.

Bose’s tenure also saw pro-Palestine encampments spring up on campus, which led to the resignation of former board of regents chair Glenn Barnes and three student arrests.

President search continues

Bose’s academic career spans more than four decades. He received his bachelor of science in naval architecture and ocean engineering in 1978 and his PhD in 1982 from the University of Glasgow.

Reflecting on his time with MUN, Bose said he is proud of the work the institution has accomplished.

“This is an institution that has been central to my life and career for many decades,” he said. “Please know that Memorial will always hold a place in my heart.”

Bose will continue his research in retirement.

MUN board of regents chair Justin Ladha thanked Bose for his leadership. 

“Dr. Bose stepped up to lead the institution through an extremely challenging period and I wish him well in his retirement,” Ladha said in a statement in The Gazette.

Since Bose took office, MUN’s board of regents has been searching for a permanent president and vice-chancellor.

Ladha said the search is on schedule.

“Further communication will be forthcoming in advance of his retirement on April 5,” Ladha said.

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