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Jean-Pierre Perreault, who will begin his five-year term as rector of the Université de Sherbrooke on June 1, says he is focused on student success, research leadership and regional collaboration

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As of June 1, Jean-Pierre Perreault will step into the role of rector at the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), taking the helm at a time of uncertainty and ambition for one of Quebec’s largest universities. In an interview conducted on Mar. 25—just hours before the release of the provincial budget—Perreault expressed pride in the appointment and outlined a bold vision for the university’s future, while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

“I’m very proud,” he said. “We will have a wind in the face based on many decisions outside, but I’m excited to take this position.” His election was confirmed by the university’s board of directors on Mar. 20 following a vote by a 43-member electoral college. That body includes representatives from the administration, unions, part-time lecturers, professors, and students. Perreault won the position with 65 per cent of the vote, defeating two other candidates, including one from the University of Victoria. “It’s a big mandate,” he said. “That’s the confidence of our community.”

According to a related press release, Perreault will be the 11th rector of the university since its founding in 1954, succeeding Pierre Cossette, who has held the position since 2017. A biochemist by training, Perreault earned his doctorate at the Université de Montréal and completed postdoctoral work at Yale before joining the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UdeS in 1993. Over the last three decades, he has served as department director, associate dean, vice-dean, and most recently as vice-rector of research and graduate studies. During his tenure, the university rose to 10th in Canada for research income. He has played a key role in major initiatives, including a graduate scholarship fund of over $25 million, contributions to the national quantum strategy, and the development of the university’s precision health and research facilities.

Perreault is also a prolific researcher, with close to 900 scientific communications to his name in the field of RNA biochemistry. He holds the UdeS Research Chair in RNA Structure and Genomics and previously held a Canada Research Chair in RNA genomics. He has led the development of gene inactivation applications based on fundamental discoveries from his lab and was the founding director of the Centre of Excellence in RNA Biology.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in his five-year term, Perreault pointed to student development, research leadership, and collaboration. “I want to push further our development in research,” he said. “Taking leadership in large recruitment and in developing experiences for students—that’s what makes us distinct.” He emphasized the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experience, calling it a signature of UdeS. “It’s important that our students live those experiences,” he said.

His immediate priorities include recruitment—particularly of international students—and launching a new process for long-term strategic planning. Perreault voiced concern over recent restrictions on international student permits imposed by the federal government, arguing that they are harming institutions and regions like the Eastern Townships. “The capping around international students is simply not a good thing for society,” he said. “Students coming from all over the world to the Eastern Townships—it’s not a problem, it’s a benefit.”

Partnerships, he said, will be essential to overcoming these challenges. “At UdeS, partnership is so important,” he said. “It’s all the ecosystems that help us to develop the future graduate and prepare well those people to go into society and the workforce.” He expressed particular interest in deepening collaboration with Bishop’s University, calling for a “pole of higher education” in the Eastern Townships.

When asked about recent tensions between the provincial government and English-language universities in Quebec, Perreault was clear. “English is not in danger—not in Sherbrooke, not around Sherbrooke,” he said. While he avoided directly criticizing the government, he affirmed his readiness to support English institutions like Bishop’s. “If I can help this up, be sure I will be there.”

He also stressed the importance of critical thinking in today’s climate of misinformation. “Criticism is so important with all the fake news around the world right now,” he said. “We have to prepare students not only to go into the workforce, but also to be responsible citizens.” For Perreault, the university’s role is not only academic but societal. “More than ever, we have to work all together,” he said. “We can make it—all of us.”

At the time of the interview, the Quebec provincial budget had not yet been released. Perreault said he was watching closely, warning that it could prove to be “a big challenge” for higher education. That concern proved prescient. Hours after the interview, the Université de Sherbrooke released a statement expressing “deep disappointment” with the 2025–26 budget, which includes a 0.7 per cent reduction in university funding.

According to the university, the current funding formula only recognizes 70 per cent of the costs associated with student population growth, leaving institutions unable to cover rising expenses. “The government is complicating our task,” said Denyse Rémillard, vice-rector of administration and sustainable development, in the release. “We must work harder to maintain quality and aim for budget balance.”

Outgoing rector Pierre Cossette added that the impact extends far beyond the campus. “The UdeS contributes over $1.1 billion annually to the region,” he said. “When the university lacks resources, it’s not just the campus that suffers—it’s entrepreneurs, suppliers and the entire region.”

The university also lamented the government’s continued failure to fund a new interfaculty teaching and learning pavilion, a project recognized as a priority by the Ministry of Higher Education. The lack of investment, combined with cuts to infrastructure maintenance and growing information system costs, is putting serious strain on UdeS and other Quebec universities.

“These choices send mixed messages,” Cossette said. “The government is asking universities to increase graduation rates while reducing their capacity to do so. It’s very disappointing.”

Despite all obstacles, Perreault remains hopeful. “I’m very happy to serve one more time the Université de Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships,” he said. “We have to work all together—mainly when you see what happens on the south of the border. More than ever, we have to stand together.”