UPEI mourns passing of Dr. Peter Meincke, President Emeritus
This message was also emailed to faculty and staff on Tuesdsay, July 29, 2025.
The University of Prince Edward Island is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Peter Meincke, President Emeritus.
Dr. Meincke was the second president of UPEI, serving from 1978 to 1985. He was named President Emeritus in 2001 and a Founder of the University in 2015.
During his time as president, he was instrumental in establishing the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI, working with the four Atlantic provincial and federal governments of the day. He helped establish the Island Web Consortium and the Institute of Island Studies, an internationally renowned research, education, and public policy institute that focuses on the culture, environment, and economy of small islands.
After his term as president ended, he taught mathematics and physics. In 1992, he founded the Small Islands Information Network, a virtual infrastructure to support the sustainable development of small islands, for the Institute of Island Studies.
In 2008, a plaza outside the W.A. Murphy Student Centre was dedicated in honour of Dr. Meincke for his many important contributions to the University. In 2012, he was among the first 60 recipients recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, specifically for his commitment and expertise in promoting technological innovations necessary for sustainable development worldwide.
Dr. Meincke was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1936. He graduated with the sword of honour from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1958, obtained a degree in Engineering Physics from Queen’s University, Kingston, followed by a master’s and PhD in Low Temperature Solid State Physics from the University of Toronto. He taught physics and was appointed Associate Dean for Science and subsequently Vice-Provost at the University of Toronto. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Donna.
Dr. Meincke’s funeral is scheduled for August 23. Further details will be released in The Globe and Mail closer to the date. The University extends its deepest sympathy to Dr. Meincke’s family, friends, and colleagues. The flags near Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place will be lowered to half-mast in his memory.
