Over the last year, as the University of Alberta has embarked on significant restructructuring, we have chosen not to undertake any full selection processes for new deans. A number of deans are coming to the ends of their terms on June 30, and as such, I have appointed interim deans in those faculties, effective July 1, 2021.
Earlier this year, Dr. Bob Haennel let me know that he would be stepping down from his role as dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, effective June 30, 2021. Effective July 1, Dr. Tammy Hopper will take on the role of Interim Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine for a one year term. Tammy is a registered speech-language pathologist, professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and is currently the Vice-Provost (Programs) for the University of Alberta. She was previously Vice-Dean and Associate Dean (Graduate Studies and Research) in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Dr. Nick Holt has been appointed to the role of Interim Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR), also effective July 1, 2021 and also for a one year term. Nick takes over from Dr. Kerry Mummery, whose extended second term as dean concludes on June 30th. Nick is currently the Vice-Dean in the Faculty of KSR, was previously the Associate Dean (Research) and is a researcher within the area of youth sport psychology. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.
Dr. Simaan AbouRizk has been appointed to the role of Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering for a two year term, effective July 1, 2021, following the announcement made earlier this year that Dr. Fraser Forbes would not be seeking a second term as dean. Simaan is a Distinguished University Professor, Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Petroleum Engineering, and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. He is fellow of a number of honour societies including the National Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society of Canada.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge Bob, Kerry, and Fraser, and note the extraordinary contributions they have each made to the University of Alberta. I have been grateful for their wise counsel and support on many occasions. They have all provided strong leadership within their faculties and for the university as a whole. I thank them for their service and wish them well.
Please join me in thanking Tammy, Nick, and Simaan for taking on these new appointments during this critical time for the University of Alberta. I am looking forward to working with them in their new roles!