Peter Tiidus, Applied Health Sciences Dean.

After starting on July 1, Peter Tiidus is ready to take his first steps as the new Dean of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University.

As a muscle and exercise physiologist whose research has earned an international reputation, Tiidus wants to use his leadership experience to expand the Faculty’s reputation as well as its community links.

“We would like to foster further involvement of our extensive alumni community in our current programs and work together to develop future networks of collaboration,” said Tiidus, who spent 26 years as a faculty member, department chair and acting Dean at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Tiidus sees Brock as the ideal destination to couple his academic background in health sciences with his affinity for administration.

“I have known of Brock’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences as the home of a number of dynamic and innovative programs that attract many high quality students, and my first week here has only reinforced these perceptions.

“What I expect to enjoy most is the opportunity to work with a dedicated group of faculty in furthering the development of research, teaching and service opportunities that will continue to bring this Faculty national and international attention.”

Tiidus sits on the editorial boards of several academic journals, including Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise. He has served on the board of directors of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and as chair of the Examinations Committee for the Ontario College of Kinesiologists. He also co-chaired the Academic Priorities Review Team that made academic and budget recommendations for Laurier’s future development.

His 34-year academic career is highlighted by more than 90 peer-reviewed articles, two book releases and more than 100 presentations throughout North America and Europe, but Tiidus regards his appointment as Dean of AHS as the culmination of his career.

“This a wonderful opportunity to utilize my experiences as an academic and administrator to help develop the full potential of all of the departments in Applied Health Sciences.”

A former competitive swimmer and swim coach, Tiidus stays active and hopes to regularly visit Brock’s pool and fitness facilities. He also likes to spend time at his family cottage with friends and his wife Ann, a retired teacher.