From: Trevor Young, Acting Vice-President & Provost
Date: August 10, 2021
Re: Appointment of an Interim Dean, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (PDAD&C #11)

I am pleased to announce that the Agenda Committee of Academic Board has approved the appointment of Professor Charmaine Williams as Interim Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work for a one-year term, beginning January 1, 2022. As indicated in PDAD&C #2 (2021-22), Professor  Dexter Voisin stepping down to take up an appointment as Dean of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Professor Charmaine Williams has been a faculty member at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work since 2002. Her research and teaching bridge social work practice, mental health and health, and equity issues. At the University of Toronto, Professor Williams has served in several roles, including Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Officer, Associate Dean, Academic at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Provostial Advisor on Access Programs, and most recently, the Vice-Dean, Students at the School of Graduate Studies. She has served on many University committees including the Aboriginal Initiatives Advisory Council, The Forum on Student Experience, The Student Equity Census Roundtable, the Equity and Diversity in Research and Innovation Working Group, the Collaborative Specialization in Women’s Health Program Committee, and the Advisory Committee for the Field of Study in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. At the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), she has led the work of the SGS Mental Health Working Group and established the SGS Mental Health Advisory Committee. In all of her roles, Professor Williams has distinguished herself as someone who is dedicated, student-focused, and a champion for issues of inclusive excellence and reconciliation.

Professor Williams completed both a BSc (Biology) and a BA (Psychology) at McMaster University before moving to the University of Toronto where she earned her MSW and PhD degrees from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Prior to joining the University of Toronto, Professor Williams held positions as a Social Worker and Education Coordinator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Please join me in thanking Professor Williams for her willingness to take on this important interim role. More information about the search process for a new Dean will be shared shortly.