Judith Woodsworth was introduced to the business community of Greater Sudbury
during the 3rd session of the New Economy Sudbury Symposium held on March
14, 2002. Her poise in speaking to the audience was noticed by more than a few
of those in attendance, even though the main speaker was Stephen Dempsey,
President and C.E.O. of the Greater Halifax Partnership. There was a sense that
this energetic lady had a vision - a true insight into what Laurentian
University needs in order to move to a higher level, and there was a remarkable
feeling in the room that Mrs. Woodsworth would truly make a difference, not only
for the University, but also for the whole community.
Woodsworth, who took over on July 1, 2002, will be making here presence felt
often during her stay in Sudbury. She personally feels that Laurentian has a
bright future and has set some immediate goals for the institution. Among those
goals are the following:
While disappointed in the 18th place ranking of Laurentian University in
Maclean's Annual University Ranking, Woodsworth indicated that she feels
Laurentian is very strong in many areas. By working on enhancing the strengths
and developing a strategic plan to improve the image and reputation of the
university, she feels confident that Laurentian will succeed in climbing up the
scale during the next five years.
Even the author of the Maclean Report, Ann Dowsett Johnston, herself a native
of Copper Cliff, stated that there was a great deal of civic pride when
Laurentian was built, but "A lot of people don't appreciate what's in their
own backyard."
The statement by Johnston could become the motivation for an aggressive
marketing strategy to make people in the Greater Sudbury Are more aware of
"what is in their own backyard" and indeed, to expand the backyard to
include the people in Southern Ontario.
Many observers from this area feel that if our young secondary school
graduates are traveling down Highway 69 and the 400 to go to Southern Ontario
Universities, then there may be just as many secondary school graduates from
Southern Ontario who would be willing to travel north to experience all that
Greater Sudbury and Laurentian University has to offer. All we have to do now is
take effective action to bring them here. Judith Woodsworth seems like the kind
of leader who is more interested in taking action instead of merely
"talking and planning".
