Dr. Joël Dickinson (Ph.D.) has been named as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Dr. Dickinson has served in this role as interim Dean since August 2018.
“I’m humbled to be selected for the role. Arts programs and courses are fundamental in helping graduates navigate the complex societal issues we face today and in the future. We also have some truly amazing faculty members with great ideas - I can't wait to work collaboratively with them” said Dr. Dickinson.
“Dr. Dickinson is an exceptional leader and her commitment to Laurentian University has been felt in many areas. From her collaborative approach to committee work, to her focus on the student experience, we are very fortunate to have her take on this role” said Dr. Serge Demers, Laurentian’s interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
Dr. Dickinson received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick in 2006. She was first appointed at Laurentian University in July 2007 as Assistant Professor. She was
promoted to Associate Professor in July 2014 and promoted to Full Professor in July 2018. She was Chair of the Department of Psychology from July 2015 to August 2018 when she was then asked to take on the position of interim Dean of the Faculty of Arts. She was also the winner of the Laurentian University Teaching Excellence Award in 2016.
Dr. Dickinson has demonstrated her leadership in many ways, even beyond her academic appointments.
First, as a member of multiple committees within Laurentian University - the 2017-2023 Strategic Planning Committee, the university Senate, and the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC). Second, her leadership expands to our Greater Sudbury community as she was a participant in the Northern Leadership Program - a year-long program in partnership with Laurentian University, City of Greater Sudbury, Science North, and Child Community Resources. Finally, within the Laurentian community, her efforts in developing and delivering a Safe Space Training Course from September 2015 to September 2018. This training session highlighted the importance of being an ally to the LGBTQ2-S community and was delivered to over 900 participants.
The Selection Committee for the role (chaired by Dr. Demers) was impressed with her commitment to the University’s bilingual and tricultural mission. The Selection Committee also felt that Dr. Dickinson’s interpersonal skills and collegial approach to problem solving would be an asset not only for the Faculty of Arts but for Laurentian University.
About the Dean of the Faculty of Arts
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, contributes significantly to the University’s Strategic Plan, and promotes focused areas of research excellence within the Faculty, while continuing to maintain strong graduate and undergraduate programs. Reporting to the Vice President, Academic and Provost, the Dean fosters strong relationships with faculty members, Chairs and Directors, and will work collaboratively with University wide governance bodies, fellow Deans, senior administration, the Board of Governors, industry, external advisory bodies, the media and the community at large.