- By Prabhjot Singh
Born and raised in Nigeria, Dr Jasdeep Singh Bachher has achieved the rare distinction of becoming the Chancellor of a Canadian University, from which he obtained all three of his academic degrees—BASc, MASc, and PhD.
When officially installed as the 12th chancellor, Dr Jasdeep Singh Bachher marked a new chapter in the University’s leadership. The chancellor serves as the University’s ceremonial head, representing the institution at public events, presiding over convocation ceremonies and conferring degrees, diplomas and certificates.
At a ceremony held prior to the Convocation and attended by all members of his family and close friends, Dr Bachher had an interesting tale of his life journey to share with the audience.
“Thirty-six years ago, my parents, both Science teachers in a Nigerian school, decided to immigrate to Canada. The Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission asked my parents where they wanted to settle in Canada. They told him that they have no idea of Canada but wanted their son to study engineering and daughter medicine. Since the Counsellor belonged to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, he suggested Waterloo University for me and my sister and virtually filled out our admission forms also. I was 15 when I arrived in Toronto Canada. And within a few days, I was at Waterloo University. My sister after studying medicine met her life partner at the University and then moved to Sweden where she is practicing medicine. I finished all my degrees at Waterloo,” he said. Engineer by training, he is now acknowledged as an investment specialist.
“I felt very special and proud when members of my family and friends occupied the front few rows at my installation ceremony just before this convocation,” he said emotionally.
Dr Bachher claims himself to be a proud Waterloo alum, who brings global experience and embodies the University’s values of thinking differently, acting with purpose and working together. He says his leadership will support Waterloo’s mission to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research and scholarship, fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.
He says he is a Sikh of Indian origin though his parents spent their lifetime teaching Sciences – biology and chemistry – to school students in Nigeria. “I treat myself as Ambassador of Waterloo and want you all, the new graduates, to be Ambassadors of your Alma Mater.”
Currently, the chief investment officer at the University of California, Dr Bachher oversees the management of more than USD 180 billion in investment pools, including pensions, endowments and total-return investment funds. His expertise in global finance and investment strategies has positioned him as a leading figure in the world of institutional investments. His tenure at the University of California has been marked by initiatives emphasizing sustainable investing and long-term economic growth. From entrepreneur to investment leader, Dr Bachher has worked for leading companies and organizations across North America, including Manulife Financial, the Alberta Investment Management Corporation and now the University of California’s system of 10 campuses, six academic health centers, and three affiliated national laboratories.
Dr Bachher has been a champion for change in the investment industry and gained an international reputation as an innovator. In his role as a chief investment officer, he created a collaborative culture known as The UC Investments Way which is embodied by 10 pillars that guide investment decision-making for the benefit of university stakeholders and the broader UC community. During his ten-year tenure at UC, the university’s investment assets have doubled.
“My connection to the University dates back thirty years, and I am excited to share my affinity for this institution and connect with you,” Dr Bachher says. “Like our graduates, I fondly recall the anticipation and excitement of convocation. I crossed this stage on three separate occasions while my family and friends proudly watched from the bleachers. Like many others, my success was directly related to the love and support I received along the way.”
Dr Bachher has served on Waterloo’s Board of Governors since 2018, including as its vice-chair before being appointed chancellor.
“Like our graduates, Chancellor Bachher exemplifies the type of dynamic leader that Waterloo develops: a champion of curiosity, exploration, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, global stewardship and leadership,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “His connections to our institution and the community are deep, and I look forward to working with him to continue building upon Waterloo’s success.” Dr Bachher’s return to the University as chancellor symbolizes a full-circle moment, where his personal and professional journey aligns with his alma mater’s mission of teaching, innovation and research. Dr Bachher’s leadership in global investment circles is reflected in his role at the University of California and his thought leadership on institutional investments and innovation. His experience in both the public and private sectors positions him as a dynamic leader who understands the challenges and opportunities of today’s interconnected world.
As chancellor, he will serve as a key ambassador for the University, championing our global futures — societal, health, sustainable, technological and economic — while strengthening connections with the University’s worldwide alumni network and fostering partnerships with industry, government and academia. Through his advocacy, Dr Bachher will help ensure Waterloo’s continued impact on solving global challenges and shaping a better future.
Dr Bachher succeeds Dominic Barton, who served as the University of Waterloo’s 11th chancellor. Barton, a global leader in business and governance, brought significant influence and vision to his role, aligning closely with the University’s innovation and social responsibility goals. His tenure as chancellor was marked by a dedication to philanthropy, global collaboration, gender equity initiatives and economic development. Barton’s legacy will continue to inspire the University, and he will be named chancellor emeritus in recognition of his service.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dr Bachher as the new chancellor of the University of Waterloo,” says Nenone Donaldson, vice-president, of Advancement. “I have had the privilege of knowing Dr Bachher for many years. He is an exemplary alum and a true champion of our University. I look forward to continuing our work together to build transformative partnerships that will advance our vision for Waterloo at 100.”
With Dr Bachher’s installation as the 12th chancellor, the University of Waterloo continues its legacy of innovation and impact. His deep understanding of the University’s values, combined with his global experience, will ensure that Waterloo remains at the forefront of solving the world’s most pressing challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and bold leadership.
(Prabhjot Singh is a senior journalist, based in Toronto. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)