The new University of Saskatchewan president is ready to hit the books in her new role.

"This campus is just poised on the edge of blasting off, and I couldn't be more delighted than to be here as that rocket that is the University of Saskatchewan takes off," said Ilene Busch-Vishniac.

Busch-Vishniac took over from former U of S president Peter MacKinnon at the beginning of July and said he was a great mentor.

"As only I would know, (Peter MacKinnon) has been incredibly generous with his time, so he worked very hard to make sure that the transition to my presidency went smoothly."

The university has just completed an integrated plan, that is like a road map for the next few years and Busch-Vishniac said she wants to continue work in the recommended areas. Those include more research, bringing in innovative educational programs and continuing to increase the number of Aboriginal students on campus.

"Saskatchewan has the highest proportion of aboriginal learners and we need to constantly be doing better at including them in all our programming and making sure their success is ensured," she said.

Busch-Vishniac has been in Saskatchewan since May and said her and her husband were most surprised by how nice everyone is here.

"We've never before been somewhere where everybody is so helpful, so warm and so welcoming."

tburdeniuk@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter:@Trelle_B