With mixed emotions, I announce that Dr. Heather Zwicker, Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, has accepted an exciting new challenge and will be leaving the University of Alberta. On October 1, she will become Executive Dean (Humanities and Social Sciences) at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Her last day at FGSR will be July 31, 2018.
Heather’s departure comes after a 25 year career at the U of A, during which she has excelled in her academic and administrative roles. Since 2015, she has provided exemplary leadership for the FGSR. She has focused on enriching the learning environment for graduate students across the university, paying particular attention to ensuring that graduate students receive high-quality supervision. She has also enhanced professional development for graduate students, developed critical IT systems to support FGSR’s activities, and championed equity, diversity and inclusion.
A full professor in the Department of English and Film Studies, Heather is an exceptional teacher and has received prestigious teaching awards including the Vargo Chair and a 3M National Teaching Fellowship. The focus of her Vargo Chair was on professional development for graduate students. Her record as a graduate supervisor is also exemplary; through her mentorship, several students have achieved major scholarships and honours for their work.
Heather has built a strong team in FGSR and leaves the faculty in good hands. I will announce interim leadership shortly.
I would like to thank Heather for her outstanding contributions to the U of A as a teacher, scholar, and administrator. I have benefited often from her input, advice, wisdom, and ideas. Please join me in congratulating Heather on her new appointment, and in extending our very best wishes for her future success at the University of Queensland.
Steven Dew
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)