Dr. Susan Lewis, Dean of Fine Arts, has been appointed UVic’s new Associate Vice-President Academic Planning, effective January 1, 2020.
“It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated group of instructors, faculty and staff, not to mention the pride we all feel in our students and alumni,” says Lewis. “Thank you for the honour of serving as your Dean. I look forward to supporting creative activity, research, teaching and community engagement through the role of AVP Academic Planning.”
Dean Susan Lewis
Lewis—the ninth Dean since Fine Arts became a faculty in 1969—was formerly Director of the School of Music where she was also a professor of musicology; she became Dean of Fine Arts in 2016, following a one-year period as Acting Dean.
She has been on secondment with VPAC since July 2019, with Associate Dean of Fine Arts Dr. Eva Baboula functioning as the Acting Dean during this time.
“Susan has a distinguished record of fostering innovative teaching and research, with a strong record in course design and delivery, experiential and work-integrated learning, mentorship and publication in the field of musicology,” says UVic’s Vice-President Academic and Provost, Valerie Kuehne.
“The Appointment Committee was impressed with Dr. Lewis’ depth of academic and administrative experience as a faculty member, Director of the School of Music, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and, most recently, while serving as the Acting Associate Vice-President Academic Planning.”
Next steps
Acting Dean Eva Baboula
The Dean’s Office will now move into a transition period as a new Dean is sought. With Acting Dean Eva Baboula already scheduled to take an academic leave for the 2020 calendar year, this necessitates the appointment of a new Acting Dean for a period of six to 12 months while a search for the next Dean of Fine Arts commences.
Consistent with the Procedures for the Appointment and Re-Appointment of Deans, the university will consult with faculty members and work collaboratively with the Faculty to appoint an Acting Dean during the search for a new Dean.
UVic’s Director of Faculty Relations, Pamela Richards, will lead this consultation and seek feedback on potential candidates for the position of Acting Dean, who will be announced before the end of 2019. The search for a new Dean will begin in early 2020, with more information following the appointment of the new Acting Dean.
Faculty members with any questions or concerns are welcome to email Pamela Richards directly at directorfacultyrelations@uvic.ca.
“Both Dr. Lewis and I recognize the need for a smooth and efficient transition over the coming weeks and months,” says Kuehne. “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Baboula for serving as Acting Dean of Fine Arts since July 2019.”