I am pleased to announce that Professor Suzanne Curtin has been appointed Vice-Provost, Graduate Studies, in addition to her existing title as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. While this does not change Professor Curtin’s duties and responsibilities or the term of her appointment, it is an important change that demonstrates Brock’s continuing commitment to growing the profile of graduate studies at the institution. The expectation at this time is that going forward the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies would also hold the title of Vice-Provost, Graduate Studies.

The recommendation to create a Vice-Provost responsible for graduate education was outlined in the 2018 external review of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, which was presented to the Senate Committee on Graduate Studies and to Senate proper in November 2018.

While the dual role is not currently common at Brock, there is precedent for it, with Professor Jack Miller appointed Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies in 2005. Dual roles are also common at other universities, especially in the graduate file.

Professor Curtin joined Brock as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies on July 1, 2020, coming from her previous role as Associate Dean (Students) at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Graduate Studies. Professor Curtin holds an Honours BA in Linguistics from McGill University, as well as an MA in Linguistics and a PhD in Psycholinguistics from the University of Southern California. She is appointed to the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Brock.

This change in title was made following consultation with Senate and with the Senior Administrators’ Committee.

Please join me in congratulating Professor Curtin on her new title.