I write today to announce that Dr. Fraser Forbes has informed me of his decision to not seek a second term as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. Dr. Forbes will complete his term as Dean on June 30, 2021.
Fraser has led the Faculty of Engineering since 2015 when he was appointed to the role of Interim Dean, following terms as Chair of the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. In 2016, the Board of Governors appointed him to the continuing Dean position for a five-year term. Under his leadership, the Faculty has maintained its reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. While Fraser’s accomplishments are many, of particular note are his leadership in the establishment of the Future Energy Systems (FES) Research Institute and the $75M grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund to support FES. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Energy Systems Signature Area, Elko Engineering Garage, as well as a number of new research centres including the Construction Innovation Centre and the Steel Centre. Under his leadership, the Engineering has enjoyed ongoing strength and success with the Canada Research Chairs program and the NSERC Industrial Research Chairs program. Externally, he has led new alumni engagement efforts, including the Engineering Young Alumni Council. Within the faculty, he oversaw the development of EDI-focussed programs for students, staff, and faculty, including creation of the position of Associate Dean (Outreach), and worked to build a strong, supportive culture for extra-curricular student experiences. He has led academic program development work in disciplines that include Architecture, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Mechatronics. He has been an active participant in governance and committee work, notably as a member of the Budget Model Working Group, the Signature Areas Development Panel and the SET steering committee.
I have been grateful for Fraser’s frank advice and counsel on Deans’ Council and in other settings. Please join me in thanking him for his important service to the University of Alberta and the Faculty of Engineering, and wishing him well in the next stage of his career.
An announcement about the next steps for leadership of the Faculty of Engineering will be distributed shortly.
Steven Dew
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)