Ontario Tech University is ready to play an important role in ensuring student-athletes have the best experience possible as they gradually return to varsity competition post-COVID-19.

Dr. Steven Murphy, Ontario Tech’s President and Vice-Chancellor, has been involved with return to sport at the provincial level, and he’ll now add the national university sport profile to his priorities. Dr. Murphy has joined the U SPORTS Board of Directors as the representative for Ontario University Athletics (OUA). He has served as OUA Vice-Chair since November 2020.

Dr. Murphy’s connection to sport administration runs deep; in 2019 his support was instrumental in bringing men’s and women’s basketball into Ontario Tech’s varsity lineup. He has also served as a player/referee and coach for most of his life.

“Sports and recreation strongly enhance the on-campus university experience, creating a sense of belonging and connecting varsity athletes with their communities,” says Dr. Murphy. “I’m a big believer in creating a ‘sticky campus’: a university environment that encourages students, faculty and staff to stay on campus to socialize and unwind after a day of learning and working. For many people, sports or recreation are useful in managing physical and mental health. I look forward to sharing my leadership and expertise on a national level as we enable the safe, gradual return of varsity athletics to university campuses across Canada, and support student-athletes so they can excel in their athletic and academic pursuits.”