2024 Centennial Leadership Award Recipient
This award is presented to APEGA members who have attained the highest distinction relating to engineering or geoscience through directorship of an outstanding project, original research or inventions, or an exemplary career in teaching.
Dr. William Rosehart, P.Eng.
For professional engineer Dr. Bill Rosehart, these core values have guided him as a professional—first as a researcher and professor, and now as dean of the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering. Dr. Rosehart joined the University of Calgary in 2001, becoming head of the electrical and computer engineering department in 2010. He served as interim faculty dean for one year before becoming dean in 2014.
He’s led a transformational change to amplify the impact of engineering research and education to meet the demands of a swiftly changing society. “Our mission is to prepare today’s engineering students to be tomorrow’s changemakers and to elevate research impact to advance Alberta’s innovation economy,” says Dr. Rosehart.
During Dr. Rosehart’s tenure, Schulich has welcomed a record number of students, enhanced experiential learning, strengthened interdisciplinary and industry collaboration, and supported faculty efforts to secure more funding than ever for pivotal research from the nanoscale to the global scale.
Dr. Rosehart has overseen the launch of several new undergraduate, graduate, and transfer programs, helping expand access to the engineering profession. Major capital projects completed under his watch include a long-awaited expansion and modernization of the school’s engineering complex, and the opening of multiple makerspaces where students can roll up their sleeves and bring their ideas to life.
“Our students will play such an important role in shaping Canada’s future,” he says. “Watching them learn and grow during their time at the University of Calgary is truly an honour.”
Dr. Rosehart is also accelerating engineering innovation by taking action to increase diversity on campus and in the profession, dismantling barriers that prevent people from pursuing an engineering education. For engineering to thrive, he believes we must cultivate an environment where people from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and included.
In his time as an engineering professional, Dr. Rosehart has published more than 130 journal and conference papers and supervised or co-supervised more than 25 graduate students while actively serving his profession as a volunteer with APEGA and several other engineering organizations.
“Every day think about how you can make a positive difference,” says Dr. Rosehart. “As engineers, we have the training, knowledge, and skills to do just that.”
Awards and Distinctions
- Fellow, Engineering Institute of Canada (2023)
- Fellow, Canadian Society of Senior Engineers (2022)
- Advocates and Allies Award, Women in Engineering ProActive Network (2020)
- Fellow, Canadian Academy of Engineering (2017)
- Outstanding Young Engineer Award, IEEE Power & Energy Society (2008)
- APEGA Early Accomplishment Summit Award (2006)
- Professor of the Year Award, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary (2005; 2004)
- Teaching Excellence Award, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary (2004; 2003)
Professional Affiliations and Activities
- Co-Chair, University of Calgary Sustainability Strategy Renewal Steering Committee (2023–present)
- Member, Presidential Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (2023–present)
- Chair, Schulich School of Engineering Faculty Council (2013–present)
- Co-Founder, Canadian Engineering Association (2010)
- Member, APEGA (2005–present)
- Member, Institute for Electrical and Computer Engineers (1998–present)