Council Member
Dr. Steven Murphy is the fourth President and Vice‐Chancellor of Ontario Tech University, a globally recognized STEM institution leading in energy innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced manufacturing. 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 modern university as a place where technology, talent, and ethics converge to shape the future of energy, AI and Canada's knowledge economy.
At a time of profound global energy transformation, Dr. Murphy has placed energy leadership at the core of Ontario Tech's mission. By integrating expertise in AI, advanced manufacturing, and mining, he is building a new model of education and research that powers the industries and systems shaping the next century.
Under his leadership, the university has implemented a Canadian-made, ethical-by-design AI learning agent embedded throughout the student experience. This groundbreaking platform reflects his belief that learning should be intelligent, personalized, and deeply human—using AI to amplify curiosity, not replace it.
A passionate champion for women in STEM, Dr. Murphy has advanced initiatives that expand mentorship, leadership and career pathways 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, Dr. Murphy works closely with governments, industry leaders, and global academic partners to help shape policy, talent development, and innovation strategies in the evolving energy economy.
Before joining Ontario Tech, he served as Dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), where he introduced interdisciplinary programs and expanded entrepreneurial co‐op opportunities for students. Previously, he spent more than a decade in progressive academic leadership roles at Carleton University's Sprott School of Business, including Associate Dean, Research and External. His award-winning research explores how emotions influence strategic decision‐making, leadership and board governance, and he is recognized for his student‐driven teaching approach.
Dr. Murphy earned his Master of Laws (L.L.M.) from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Human Resource Management, and a Master in Management Studies (with Distinction) in the Management of Technology. He completed his Doctorate in Management, Organizational Behaviour, at Carleton University.
He was initially appointed to the NRC Council in June 2019 and re-appointed for a third term in February 2026.