About

Dr. Steven Murphy is the fourth President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University, a globally recognized institution at the forefront of energy innovation, artificial intelligence, and advanced industry. He started his presidency on March 1, 2018 and was reappointed for a second term on July 1, 2023.

A bold and forward-thinking academic leader, Dr. Murphy is redefining the role of the modern university, transforming it into a place where technology, talent, and ethics converge to shape the future of energy, AI and Canada’s knowledge economy.

At a time when the world is undergoing a profound energy transformation, Dr. Murphy has placed energy leadership at the core of the university’s mission. By integrating expertise in AI, advanced manufacturing and mining, he is building a new model of education and research design to power the industries, and systems, that will define the next century.

His philosophy is simple: Universities should not just study the future, they should build it.

Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, the university has created one of the most innovative learning ecosystems in higher education.

Ontario Tech is the only university implementing a Canadian-made, ethical-by-design AI learning agent embedded throughout the student experience. This groundbreaking platform reflects his belief that the future of learning will be intelligent, personalized and deeply human, using AI not to replace curiosity, but to amplify it.

A passionate champion for women in STEM, Dr. Murphy has advanced initiatives that expand pathways, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women across engineering, energy and technology. He believes that solving global challenges— especially the future of energy—requires the full participation of diverse talent and perspectives.

A sought-after speaker, scholar and advisor, he works closely with governments, industry leaders and global academic partners to help shape policy, talent development, and innovation strategies in the evolving energy economy. His voice is influential in conversations about how institutions can not only prepare the workforce for today, but also for tomorrow’s AI-driven industries.

Before joining Ontario Tech, Dr. Murphy served as the Dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he established novel interdisciplinary programs, and fostered innovative and entrepreneurial co‐op opportunities for students. Previously, he also spent more than a decade in progressive academic leadership roles at Carleton University's Sprott School of Business, including serving as Associate Dean, Research and External.

He holds an esteemed record of academic achievement awards for his work examining the role of emotions in strategic decision‐making, leadership and boards, as well as his insightful approach to student‐driven teaching.

He earned his Master of Laws (L.L.M.) from the University of Toronto and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Human Resource Management, a Master in Management Studies (with Distinction) in the Management of Technology, and completed his Doctorate in Management, Organizational Behaviour, at Carleton University.

He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Lakeridge Health and the National Research Council of Canada.