Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics Lynn Dempsey is the new Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Dempsey, who began a three-year term on Sunday, Sept. 1, says she is excited to become an ambassador for the Faculty and introduce new students to the array of programs, minors and courses on offer.

“We have fabulous programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences – our students learn about the world through a variety of different lenses and graduate with the tools they need to make a real difference in their communities,” she says.

Dempsey served as the Chair of the Department of Applied Linguistics from 2020 to 2023 and has also been the department’s Graduate Program Director. She has also held the role of Co-Chair of the Research Ethics Board for Social Sciences and chaired the Faculty’s Tenure and Promotion Committee.

Having seen efforts to build community yield positive results in previous roles, she says she is eager to collaborate with faculty, staff and student leaders to support the work that goes into creating “transformative and accessible” educational journeys for students.

She is also deeply committed to education and support for students when it comes to academic integrity.

“Everyone in the Brock community has a role to play in ensuring we adhere to the highest standard of academic integrity, and as Associate Dean, it’s my particular responsibility to ensure fair, transparent and consistent application of Brock’s Academic Integrity Policy,” she says. “Beyond that, I’m especially keen to partner with my colleagues throughout the University on strategies that help build students’ understanding of academic integrity so that we can prevent occurrences of misconduct in the first place.”

Dean Ingrid Makus says she is thrilled to welcome Dempsey to the Dean’s Office.

“Dr. Dempsey brings much experience, perspective and enthusiasm to this role,” says Makus. “With her strong commitment to student well-being and demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities, I know that we will benefit greatly from her ideas and leadership over the next three years.”

Makus is also grateful to Interim Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies Rebecca Raby, who served in the role for the last 18 months.

“Dr. Raby made significant contributions to our Faculty and to Brock University during her tenure, including organizing and re-vamping numerous orientation and recruitment events and working with students to develop enhanced representation avenues across the Faculty,” she says.