People on the Move | University Affairs

Deborah Poff

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Brandon University President Deborah Poff was elected to be a council member on the Committee on Publication Ethics, or COPE. Dr. Poff is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Academic Ethics and editor of the Journal of Business Ethics. She also chaired a federal government advisory committee in 2010-2011 that developed a research integrity framework for universities and research hospitals undertaking research with federal funding. COPE provides advice to editors and publishers on all aspects of publication ethics and, in particular, how to handle cases of research and publication misconduct. The committee was established in 1997 by a small group of medical journal editors in the U.K. but has grown into an international organization that includes several major publishers.

Esam M. A. Hussein

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Esam M. A. Hussein will be the University of Regina’s new dean of engineering and applied science as of July. He joins U of Regina from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, where he taught in the departments of chemical and mechanical engineering and most recently served as the associate dean of engineering and a member of the board of governors.

Meric Gertler

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The University of Toronto appointed Meric Gertler its next university president. Dr. Gertler, a world-renowned expert on urban issues, joined U of T’s faculty of arts and science in 1983 and served as dean of the faculty since 2008. He has held the Goldring Chair in Canadian Studies since 1999 and was also the founding co-director of the Program on Globalization and Regional Innovation Systems at the Munk School of Global Affairs. Dr. Gertler earned a BA from McMaster University, a master’s degree in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD from Harvard University.

Suzanne Fortier

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

McGill University chose Suzanne Fortier to become the university’s principal and vice-chancellor for a five-year term that will begin in early September. Dr. Fortier served most recently as president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Prior to joining NSERC in January 2006, she had served as associate dean of graduate studies and research; vice-principal, research; and vice-principal, academic, at Queen’s University, where she was also a professor of chemistry. Dr. Fortier is an alumna of McGill, where she obtained her BSc and a PhD in chemistry.

NSERC awards

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

NSERC honoured Canada’s top researchers in the natural sciences and engineering in February. Among the prizes was the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering, which went to the University of Toronto’s Stephen Cook. Dr. Cook’s work in computer science and mathematics has made a significant and lasting impact on the fields of mathematics and computation. The E. W. R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships were awarded to Aneil Agrawal, also at U of T; Paul Ayers, McMaster University; Christophe Caloz, École polytechnique de Montréal; Warren Chan, U of T; Kevin Resch, University of Waterloo; and Yu Sun, U of T. Successful fellows are relieved of their teaching and administrative duties for two years to devote their time to research.

Vladimir Dvoracek

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Vladimir Dvoracek is University of the Fraser Valley’s new associate vice-president, institutional research and integrated planning. Dr. Dvoracek joined UFV as an instructor in 1995. Since then he has chaired the departments of business and economics and has served as acting director of institutional research for the past two years. He was a senior financial analyst with Chubb Financial Solutions in New York from 2001 to 2003 and has held positions at Western Washington University, Simon Fraser University and University of Tasmania.

Elizabeth Williamson

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Elizabeth Williamson is the new university secretary at the University of Saskatchewan as of April 8. Ms. Williamson trained as a lawyer and, prior to this appointment, was the director of legal services in governance for Cameco Corporation.

Sara Iverson

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Dalhousie University’s Sara Iverson was appointed scientific director of Ocean Tracking Network Canada. OTN Canada is a research hub dedicated to a better understanding of changing ocean dynamics. Dr. Iverson is a professor in Dal’s department of biology and a former NSERC E.W.R. Steacie fellow.

Wade Parkhouse

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Simon Fraser University reappointed Wade Parkhouse dean of graduate studies for a second five-year term starting Sept. 1. Dr. Parkhouse is a professor of biomedical physiology and kinesiology and was associate dean of research and graduate studies in the faculty of applied sciences at SFU from 2001 to 2008.

Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux was named Lakehead University’s vice-provost for aboriginal initiatives, effective July 1. Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux has held the Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership at Alberta’s Banff Centre for the past four years. She is a status-only assistant professor in the faculty of social work at the University of Toronto and an adjunct professor at Carleton University. She co-founded and chairs the Canadian Roots Exchange out of the U of T.

John O’Meara

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

John O’Meara was reappointed dean of the faculty of education at Lakehead University. Dr. O’Meara joined Lakehead’s faculty of education in 1988 and was first named dean in April 2008.

Neil Turok

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Neil Turok was reappointed to a second five-year term starting in October as director of the Perimeter Institute, an independent centre for foundational theoretical physics in Waterloo, Ont. He will also hold the inaugural Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Niels Bohr Chair in Theoretical Physics at the institute. Prior to joining the Perimeter Institute in 2008, Dr. Turok was a professor of physics at Princeton University and chair of mathematical physics at the University of Cambridge. He is a Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Fellow in Cosmology and Gravity and was selected to deliver the 2012 CBC Massey Lectures.

Don Tapscott

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Don Tapscott was appointed Trent University’s new chancellor. An alumnus of Trent, Mr. Tapscott is CEO of a Toronto-based think tank, The Tapscott Group, and was previously founder and chair of New Paradigm. He is also an adjunct professor at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the inaugural fellow of the school’s Martin Prosperity Institute.

Gervan Fearon

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Brandon University appointed Gervan Fearon as its new vice-president, academic, and provost. Dr. Fearon is currently dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University. He previously served as an associate dean for academics and students at York University. Dr. Fearon will begin at BU on July 1.

2013 3M National Teaching Fellows

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education named the 2013 3M National Teaching Fellows in February. The awards recognize teaching excellence and a commitment to enhance the educational experience of learners. This year’s winners are Joan Conrod, faculty of management, Dalhousie University; Shelagh Crooks, department of philosophy, Saint Mary’s University; Darren Dahl, Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia; Simon Ellis, faculty of forestry at UBC; Kim Misfeldt, Augustana campus, University of Alberta; Mark Goldszmidt, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University; June Ann Larkin, Women and Gender Studies Institute, University of Toronto; Colin Laroque, department of geography and environment, Mount Allison University; Jordan LeBel, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University; and Heath Zwicker, department of English and film studies, U of Alberta. Recipients will be honoured at the STLHE annual meeting in Sydney, N.S., in June. They will also attend a scholarly retreat in November at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Brian M. Levitt

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Brian M. Levitt was appointed chancellor of Bishop’s University for a five-year term beginning June 1. Mr. Levitt is co-chair of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and, since 2011, has served as chairman of the board of directors of the Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Iris Petten

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Iris Petten was appointed chair of Memorial University’s board of regents. Ms. Petten, a Memorial graduate, has served as corporate director of Canship Ugland Ltd., Penney Ugland Ltd., Canada Post Corporation and Oceanex.

Shawn Brixey

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Shawn Brixey becomes York University’s new dean of the faculty of fine arts as of July 1. Dr. Brixey is currently associate professor of digital arts and experimental media at the University of Washington. Prior to that, he was founder and chair of the digital media program at the University of California, Berkeley, and founder and director of the Berkeley Center for New Media.

Eric Miller

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Eric Miller, professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto, is the recipient of the inaugural UBC Margolese National Design for Living Prize. The prize, with a cash award of $50,000, recognizes a Canadian who has made outstanding contributions to the development or improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes. Dr. Miller’s research focuses on the interactions between humans, urban land use, transportation and the environment.

Daniel Woolf

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Queen’s University reappointed Daniel Woolf to a second term as principal and vice-chancellor. A professor in the department of history at Queen’s, Dr. Woolf has also spent part of his academic career at Bishop’s University, Dalhousie University, McMaster University and the University of Alberta. His second term begins on July 1, 2014.

Jino Distasio

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Jino Distasio is the University of Winnipeg’s new associate vice-president, research and innovation, as of March 17. Dr. Distasio is a professor in the department of geography and will transition out of his most recent role as director of U of Winnipeg’s Institute of Urban Studies. He recently served as a co-principal investigator on the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s five-city study of mental health and homelessness.

Matt Hebb

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Dalhousie University appointed Matt Hebb assistant vice-president, government relations, effective in April. Mr. Hebb had been serving as the principal secretary to the Premier of Nova Scotia, Darrell Dexter, since June 2009.

Michael Decter

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:20:00 GMT

Michael Decter is Brandon University’s new chancellor, effective May 31. Mr. Decter is president and CEO of the investment company LDIC Inc., a former deputy minister of health for Ontario, former cabinet secretary in the Government of Manitoba and the founding chair of the Health Council of Canada.

James C. Hogg

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

James C. Hogg, professor emeritus in pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of British Columbia, was awarded the 2013 Canada Gairdner Wightman Award for his research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The award is given to a Canadian who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in medicine and medical science throughout his or her career.

Carl Amrhein

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The Conference Board of Canada has hired University of Alberta provost and vice-president, academic, Carl Amrhein to serve as a visiting executive for a 14-month appointment that began March 1. Dr. Amrhein was already midway through a year-long professional leave when he was approached for the position. He will return full-time to U of Alberta on July 1, 2014. During his professional leave, Dr. Amrhein has been focusing on global issues and the impact that they will have on Canadian postsecondary institutions in the coming decades. This work caught the attention of the Conference Board, where Dr. Amrhein will collaborate with executives and researchers to help create the board’s Centre on the Future of Post-Secondary Education.

Melanie Humphreys

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Melanie Humphreys was named the new president of The King’s University College in Edmonton, effective July 1. She is currently the dean of student care and services at Wheaton College in Illinois, where she is also an adjunct faculty member for Wheaton’s Christian Formation and Ministry graduate program. Previously, Dr. Humphreys was vice-president of student life and dean of students at LLC International University in Lithuania.

Andrew Egan

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Andrew Egan was appointed dean of the faculty of science at Brandon University. He is currently the executive director of the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute at New Mexico Highlands University. Dr. Egan previously served as dean of the school of forestry and natural resources at Paul Smith’s College in New York and as a professor and holder of an industrial research chair at Université Laval. He is the recipient of several awards for teaching and research excellence, including a Senior Fulbright Scholarship. His appointment takes effect June 1.

Bruce Jago

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Laurentian University named Bruce Jago founding executive director of the Goodman School of Mines. Dr. Jago is a professional geologist and was most recently president, CEO and director of Miocene Minerals Ltd. in Vancouver.

John Meehan

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

John Meehan was appointed president of Campion College, which is federated with the University of Regina, for a five-year term beginning July 1. Dr. Meehan completed his MA in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in history from the University of Toronto. Previously a professor of history and Catholic studies at Campion College, Dr. Meehan has published widely in areas of Canadian history, with a particular interest in Canadian relations with Japan and China.

Derek Burney

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Derek Burney was named Lakehead University’s new chancellor, effective this June. Dr. Burney is senior strategic adviser to Norton Rose Canada LLP and chair of GardaWorld’s international advisory board. Previously, he was president and CEO of CAE Inc. and served as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States from 1989 to 1993.

Jacy Lee

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

McMaster University appointed Jacy Lee its associate vice-president of institutional research and analysis, effective March 4. Previously, Dr. Lee was director, institutional research and planning, at Simon Fraser University and manager of institutional research at Capilano College.

Sue Brigden

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Sue Brigden has been appointed dean of the faculty of access and open studies at the University of the Fraser Valley, a role she had assumed in an acting capacity since September 2010. She joined UFV as an instructor in the upgrading and university preparation department in 1999 and became department head in 2005.

Jim Nicell

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

McGill University appointed Jim Nicell its new dean of engineering. Dr. Nicell is on a six-month leave from McGill after completing a six-year term as associate vice-principal, university services. His new appointment, which takes effect July 1, marks a return to the faculty where he served both as a professor in the civil engineering department and as associate dean of student affairs.

Jean Maltesen

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Vancouver Island University appointed Jean Maltesen dean of the faculty of academic and career preparation. Ms. Maltesen, who has worked at VIU for almost 20 years, had been serving as interim dean in the faculty since October 2011. She has been an active member on VIU’s senate and board of governors.

Brent Lewis

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology appointed Brent Lewis dean of the faculty of energy systems and nuclear science, effective May 1. Dr. Lewis is currently a professor of nuclear engineering in the department of chemistry and chemical engineering at Royal Military College of Canada, where he has held the NSERC/UNENE/COG Industrial Research Chair in Nuclear Fuel since 2007.

Robert Shea

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University named Robert Shea its new associate vice-president, academic and student affairs, starting June 4. Dr. Shea recently served as Memorial University’s acting deputy provost, students, and associate vice-president, academic, for undergraduate studies, as well as dean pro tempore to the department of student affairs and services. He has taught with Memorial’s faculty of education and is the founding editor of the Canadian Journal of Career Development.

Patti McDougall

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Patti McDougall has been appointed vice-provost, teaching and learning, at the University of Saskatchewan for a five-year term that began Jan. 1. An associate professor of psychology, she comes to U of S from St. Thomas More College (federated with the University of Saskatchewan), where she has held the positions of assistant and associate dean as well as interim dean.

Lisa Collins

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The University of Alberta appointed Lisa Collins its vice-provost and university registrar, starting July 1. Ms. Collins is currently the project director and associate registrar, enrolment services, at the University of British Columbia.

Paul Allison

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Paul Allison was reappointed dean of dentistry at McGill University. His new five-year term takes effect June 1. Dr. Allison, who arrived at McGill in 1995 as a PhD student, became a professor in the faculty of dentistry in 1999.

Joffre Mercier and Kevin Kee

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Brock University appointed Joffre Mercier and Kevin Kee the new associate vice-presidents of research. Dr. Mercier is currently associate dean of research and graduate studies in the faculty of mathematics and science. He has also served as chair of the department of biological sciences, director of the Centre for Neuroscience, and interim dean of the faculty of mathematics and science. Dr. Kee holds the Canada Research Chair in Digital Humanities, and is the director of the Centre for Digital Humanities and associate professor in the department of history. Dr. Mercier starts his position on April 1, while Dr. Kee started his on March 1.

Deborah Saucier

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Deborah Saucier was appointed interim provost and vice-president, academic, at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. She is currently the dean of the faculty of science and will assume the new position on June 1 for a one-year term. Dr. Saucier joined UOIT in 2011 from the University of Lethbridge, where she was chair of the department of neuroscience and held
the Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience.

Peter Mansbridge

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Mount Allison University reappointed its chancellor, CBC television news anchor Peter Mansbridge, to a new term that will run until December 2017. He was first named chancellor in 2009. Mr. Mansbridge established the Mansbridge internship program in 2011 and the Cynthia Dale Fine Arts Scholarship in 2012 at Mount Allison.

Mohamed Lachemi

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Mohamed Lachemi was appointed provost and vice-president, academic, at Ryerson University, effective May 1. Dr. Lachemi is currently dean of the university’s faculty of engineering and architectural science. He joined Ryerson in 1998 as an assistant professor in civil engineering, served as acting chair of the department and has held the positions of graduate program director, associate chair and associate dean. He was appointed interim dean in 2009 and dean in 2010.

Karen Jackson

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Effective in October, Karen Jackson joined the University of Calgary as general counsel. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Jackson spend 18 years at the law firm Stikeman Elliott, where she was a member of the corporate group, serving as an associate and then a partner. Prior to joining Stikeman Elliott, Ms. Jackson was based in Calgary for 10 years with TrizecHahn Corporation (formerly Trizec Corp.) serving as senior vice-president, general counsel and corporate secretary.