James Rush

Appointed to the role in July 2018, Rush is a professor of physiology at the University of Waterloo, having first joined the Department of Kinesiology in 2000. Recognized for his strong leadership, Rush previously held numerous administrative positions within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences including the role of dean, associate dean graduate studies and research, and chair of the Department of Kinesiology. President Feridun Hamdullahpur is supported by Vice-President Academic and Provost James Rush, who serves as the university’s chief operating officer. Rush completed his PhD with distinction at the State University of New York Heath Center at Syracuse in 1998 before pursuing post-doctoral work at the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Rush is also a highly respected researcher, known for his work in the areas of cardiovascular research, particularly relating to the effects of hypertension, age, and exercise on blood vessel health. His most recent work hopes to explain the mechanisms by which vascular function can be improved to prevent disease and preserve cardiovascular health.

The vice-president academic and provost is the chief academic and budget officer of the University of Waterloo. Working closely with the president, he leads and supports the efforts of the deans, faculty and staff to drive academic excellence. The provost is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the university.