I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer as dean of the Faculty of Science, approved today by the Board of Governors. Jonathan’s second five-year appointment will be effective on July 1, 2017. My thanks to the members of the Dean Review Committee for their commitment and hard work, and to all of you who took the time to participate in the review process.
Under Jonathan Schaeffer’s leadership, the Faculty of Science developed an ambitious strategic five-year plan (2015–2020). Called Understand the Past, Shape the FutureUnderstand the Past, Shape the Future, it is now guiding the faculty’s future directions. Focused around ten “Big Hairy Audacious Goals”, the plan illustrates Jonathan’s strong leadership in and commitment to innovation in teaching and learning; research excellence and knowledge transfer; undergraduate and graduate recruitment, retention, and completion; community engagement; and administrative and financial change. He is a determined, purposeful, and energetic leader.
During his tenure, his team has invested considerable effort in engaging students and expanding their opportunities for experiential learning through a number of avenues, such as the student e-newsletter, Science Professional Series, Science Orientation, Science Internship Program, and the Science Mentor Program. He has also created new awards for excellence in teaching and research, recruited exceptional new faculty members in the faculty, and pioneered innovative ways to deliver online learning through MOOCs.
Jonathan is an outstanding advocate for the Faculty of Science and the value of scientific research. He has dramatically increased the Faculty’s fundraising activities, bringing in a record $15M in donations last year. He has also enhanced the Faculty of Science’s international reputation and engagement, including the development of a number of joint educational initiatives with top European and Chinese universities. Closer to home, he has opened up new connections through the dramatic growth of a Faculty of Science summer camps program.
The University of Alberta is fortunate to have such a dedicated dean on its leadership team and I would like to thank Jonathan for his contributions, insight, and engagement. Please join me in congratulating Jonathan on his reappointment and extending our best wishes for continued success in his next five years.
Steven Dew
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)