I am writing today to provide updates on some changes that have unfolded within the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research over the past few weeks. Dr. Brooke Milne has stepped down as Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. In turn, I have appointed Dr. Roger Epp as the Interim Vice-Provost and Dean for a one-year term, effective November 1, 2022.
I want to first thank Dr. Milne for her many contributions as Vice-Provost and Dean of FGSR. Dr. Milne has been a strong advocate for graduate student success, and I note in particular: her work to support the equitable and consistent administration of graduate programs, the recently approved university-wide initiatives aimed at elevating the graduate student-supervisor working relationship, her support for numerous EDI-II initiatives (including launching the U of A’s first SAGE Pod in support of Indigenous graduate student success), her efforts supporting the Ethics and Academic Citizenship requirement for all graduate students, and the development and implementation of the university’s first standardized electronic graduate student progress reporting system.
Dr. Roger Epp, Interim Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
I am pleased to share the appointment of Dr. Roger Epp as the Interim Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research for a one-year term.
Dr. Epp is a professor emeritus of political science who has held several senior leadership positions with the University of Alberta, including Director of UAlberta North, Deputy Provost and Dean of Augustana Campus. As the founding dean of Augustana, he led the campus for eight years during an important transition period and established a strong foundation from which the faculty has since grown. With this background, he is well equipped to steward FGSR through the year ahead as we launch a unit review for FGSR.
In addition to his leadership and administration experience, Dr. Epp is a public scholar. His research interests are in international relations, higher education, and, above all, the rural prairie West, including the history and politics of Treaty 6 Territory. His books include We Are All Treaty People: Prairie Essays and Writing Off the Rural West (co-edited with Dave Whitson). He was an honorary witness at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Dr. Epp will be joined by Bobbi Schiestel, who will take on the role of FGSR Faculty General Manager effective October 31, 2022. Ms. Schiestel brings her significant and diverse experiences at the university — which includes positions in the Office of the Registrar, the Office of the Provost, and most recently in the President’s Office — to FGSR.
Finally, I want to thank Dr. Ali Shiri, who has agreed to serve as Interim Vice Provost and Dean until October 31, 2022 when Dr. Epp‘s term begins.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Epp on his appointment.
With appreciation and gratitude,
Dr. Verna Yiu
Interim Provost and Vice-president (Academic)