Brock University’s next Dean of Humanities will be Douglas Kneale, an accomplished scholar from the University of Western Ontario who takes up his new duties on July 1.
Kneale has taught in UWO’s Department of English for 25 years, including five years as Chair of the department.
Kneale’s was one of two decanal appointments made today by Brock. It was also announced that Fiona Blaikie will become the new Dean of Education on Aug. 1.
In Humanities, Kneale will replace outgoing Dean Rosemary Hale, who is completing a second consecutive five-year term as Dean of the faculty. Hale, who retains a tenured position within the faculty, will commence a well-earned administrative leave this summer.
Kneale is an award-winning teacher whose research stretches from Wordsworth and Milton to psychoanalysis and the history of rhetoric. Kneale has published books on English Romanticism and contributed peer-reviewed essays to top-ranked journals and volumes around the world.
Kneale expressed excitement about coming to Brock at a time of growth and change at the University.
“I am thrilled to be joining Brock as its next Dean of Humanities,” he said. “I believe that we are entering a very creative period in Brock’s history, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff at Brock and with our many partners in the Niagara community to help us reach our enormous combined potential.”
Besides academic credentials, Kneale also brings considerable administrative experience, having sat on numerous committees at Western, not least of which were the Appointments, Promotion & Tenure Committee and the Budget and Development Committee.
Before joining the faculty at Western in 1985, Kneale (BA, UWO 1978; MA, UWO 1979; PhD, University of Toronto 1983) taught at Yale University (Fall 1984), Bishop’s (1983-84) and at U of T (1979-82).
The announcement was made by Murray Knuttila, Brock’s Vice President, Academic. He welcomed the new dean and also acknowledged the contributions of Hale, who tirelessly pushed for the creation of the new Marilyn I Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts campus in downtown St Catharines.
“There are some big shoes to fill,” said Knuttila. “We all know, and will sorely miss, Rosemary Hale’s indomitable passion, creativity and commitment to her Faculty and to the University.
“But in preparing for our next chapter, I am very enthused about Dr. Kneale’s arrival. And he is likewise excited about the future of the University and particularly the Faculty of Humanities, as it undertakes such major initiatives as hosting the 2014 Social Sciences and Humanities Conference, and building the new Walker campus downtown.”
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