Media releases

• Gervan Fearon accepts new role in Toronto, Provost Lynn Wells named Interim Brock President

  Tuesday, May 18, 2021 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 18 May 2021 – R0061

  Brock University President Gervan Fearon has accepted a new role as the next President of George Brown College in Toronto. The Brock University Board of Trustees is appointing Provost Lynn Wells as Interim President for a period of up to two years while a search for a successor is completed. Wells will continue as Provost as well during this time.

  “We understand Gervan’s desire to move back to Toronto and we are deeply appreciative of his leadership of Brock University during a time of great change and uncertainty,” said Gary Comerford, Chair of the Brock Board of Trustees. “He helped develop a strategic plan that is a road map for our University and is central to our efforts to sustain and advance Brock. The University is very fortunate to be able to turn to Provost Wells, who has the experience, skills and leadership abilities we need to continue to advance Brock.”

  Fearon said serving as Brock University’s President “has been a distinct honour.”

  “Kathy and I have enjoyed our time in Niagara and we will always be proud to have been part of an outstanding community of students, faculty and staff at Brock,” he said. “Without question, this University is deeply engaged with its community and has a significant impact on the region and the province it serves. We will miss our many friends and colleagues here, but know that we will always remain proud Brock Badgers while we cheer on Brock from a distance.”

  Wells said she is looking forward to further working with the Brock community in the coming months.

  “It is a privilege to be a member of the Brock community,” she said. “While the pandemic period has been one of unpredictability and rapid change, Brock is well-positioned to continue its service to students, faculty, researchers, staff and the community. I look forward to working with all of you in the coming months to build further on Brock’s remarkable success.”

  Fearon came to Brock in 2017 after serving as President of Brandon University in Manitoba. During his time as Brock President, he led the University through a series of significant changes and impactful events including the reduction and freeze of provincial tuition rates and the ongoing global pandemic, both of which required significant changes in all aspects of the University and deft leadership.

  During his tenure, the University set new enrolment records; grew funding for research; enhanced its community partnerships; undertook capital projects including a new student residence and fitness facilities; announced it was establishing academic programming at a new Burlington campus; established a new Engineering department; and other initiatives including the Horizon Graduate Student Scholarships and the Canada-Caribbean Institute. Brock University continues to be ranked first in the country for student mental health supports and second in overall student satisfaction.

  “Our students, faculty and staff have been extremely well-served by Gervan’s effective leadership and by his many contributions,” Comerford said. “We will all miss his thoughtful approach to leading and his friendly and empathetic style. We wish Kathy and Gervan all the best in this next chapter in Toronto and at his new institution.”

  Provost Wells will assume the Interim Presidency on July 1. President Fearon begins his term at George Brown College in August.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected] or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Parks and recreation an essential service, says Brock research

  Friday, May 14, 2021 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 14 May 2021 – R0060

  The extension of Ontario’s stay-at-home order until at least June 2 raises questions about if and how outdoor activities can be safely conducted.

  The eagerness of people to get outside, and previous closures of playgrounds, youth sport program cancellations and other shutdowns, have put the spotlight on the importance of public spaces and those who manage them, says a Brock University research team.

  “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed what many citizens already believe — that parks and recreation spaces and services are essential for individual and community well-being,” says Brock University Associate Professor of Sport Management Julie Stevens.

  “The central role that municipal parks and recreation departments play in the everyday lives of Niagara residents has become apparent,” says Stevens, who is also Director of Brock’s Centre for Sport Capacity.

  The Centre for Sport Capacity and the Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) partnered to co-produce the NCO’s latest brief, “Parks and Recreation as an Essential Service: Using a health equity lens to strengthen provision in Niagara.”

  The brief is co-authored by Stevens, Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Martha Barnes, member of Active Niagara Network Sarah Ane, and NCO Research Co-ordinator

  Carol Phillips.

  The brief, scheduled to be released later this month, examines the importance of parks and recreation in relation to health equity and the need to ensure government commits to parks and recreation as a key part of public policy.

  ‘Health equity’ is an approach that emphasizes the value of community and individual well-being, and equal access for all community members to parks and recreation services.

  “The role of parks and recreation in addressing broad society-level crises facing all Niagara communities is an important policy tool,” says Stevens.

  Barnes says a major challenge for the parks and recreation sector has been to “find ways of meeting increasing demand from citizens while working within evolving government restrictions

  “Moving forward, it will be necessary to ensure policy and funding mechanisms are in place to support this new-found appreciation for the parks and recreation sector,” she says.

  On Wednesday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to noon, the NCO will present the brief at an online event featuring a panel discussion with Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik, Commander, Mobile Integrated Health for Niagara EMS, Marty Mako, and Niagara Falls Director of Recreation and Culture, Kathy Moldenhauer.

  To sign up, contact Phillips at [email protected] and a Microsoft Teams link will be sent prior to the event.

  Brock University Associate Professor of Sport Management Julie Stevens is available for interviews on the importance of outdoor activities for community health and well-being and the need for parks and recreation departments to be enhanced.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected] or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases