From: Susan McCahan, Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies and Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education
Date: July 11, 2025
Re: Appointment of Allison Van Beek as Executive Director of the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation

We are pleased to announce that Allison Van Beek has been appointed to the role of Executive Director of the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, starting on August 11, 2025.

In this role, Allison will work to advance teaching excellence across the University through the oversight and management of programming and services that support effective evidence-based teaching practices. She will provide strategic vision and direction as the University’s needs and opportunities change. Through collaboration, communication, and scholarship, Allison will ensure that CTSI continues to work with the University community to enable quality academic experiences and support for faculty development and educational technology.

Allison comes to this role from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering where she was the Director, Education Technology Office. In this role, Allison championed the Faculty’s digital transformation during the pandemic ensuring the rapid deployment of online teaching solutions for faculty and staff. She also co-founded cross-divisional communities of practice such as the EdTech Leaders Forum and the Active Learning Community of Practice. Allison also has extensive experience designing and implementing program assessments using qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Allison is currently a PhD Candidate in Engineering Education, researching how technology enables teaching practice in active learning classrooms. Her educational background includes a Master of Information, Library Stream, from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Humanities from Carleton University. 

Please join us in welcoming Allison to her new role. We are thrilled to have her as part of the team.