John Cappucci
President and Vice-Chancellor of Assumption University;
Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict;
Associate Professor at Assumption University.
PhD in Political Science, 2014
Dr. John Cappucci is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario. In 2024, John became the first layperson to assume the presidency since the university’s founded as Assumption College in 1857. Prior to becoming president, John served as Principal of Assumption University from 2019 onwards.
In this role, John focused on academic revitalization, partnerships with other colleges and universities, community engagement, and targeted fundraising. These efforts have increased Assumption University’s profile considerably. John’s dedication was recognized by his fellow presidents leading to his recent election as Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada in 2022 serving until 2024.
John is also the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict. Since his years at Carleton, John’s research has focused on religious minorities and their treatment by various host communities. In 2023, John commenced a new research project on Christianity in India. This projected involved interviewing members of the Indian Christian community about their experiences practicing their faith in India. John’s’ refereed articles have appeared in the Bulletin for the Study of Religion, Contemporary Jewry, Canadian Jewish Studies, Fieldwork in Religion, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, and the Journal of Shi’a Islamic Studies. In addition to his research record, John also have taught courses across the social sciences resulting in top teaching scores. He has also served on graduate committees mentoring a future generation of academics.
John holds a PhD in political science from Carleton University (’14); a Master of Arts in political studies at Queen’s University in Kingston; and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English and political science from the University of Windsor.
“I truly received a world-class educational experience at Carleton University that has benefited me in my professional career. Studying under distinguished faculty with national reputations, engaging with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and having access to countless learning opportunities both in and outside of the classroom makes Carleton a natural choice. I encourage all to consider becoming a student at Canada’s Capital University”