Appointment of an Interim Dean, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (PDAD&C #64)

From: Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President & Provost
Date: April 21, 2021
Re: Appointment of an Interim Dean, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (PDAD&C #64)

I am pleased to announce that the Agenda Committee of Academic Board has approved the appointment of Professor Normand Labrie as Interim Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education for a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2021. As indicated in PDAD&C #71 (2019-20), Professor  Glen Jones will complete his term as Dean on June 30, 2021, and is not seeking reappointment. The search process for the next Dean remains underway, and this interim appointment will provide the Advisory Committee with the time needed to continue its work.

Professor Labrie has a longstanding and successful track record of positive and impactful leadership at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Since joining OISE in 1991, Professor Labrie has served in several senior positions at OISE including Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Associate Dean, Research, and most recently as Associate Dean, Programs. As part of OISE’s COVID-19 response, Professor Labrie has played a central role in securing academic continuity, including the successful online delivery of programs and the development of structures and supports needed by students, faculty, and staff. In all of his roles, Professor Labrie has shown a commitment to inclusive excellence, a strong interest for teacher education, and a student-centered approach to administration. As a result of his calm and consistent leadership over the years, Professor Labrie has been widely recognized by his peers for his ability to build consensus and drive meaningful change.

In addition to his leadership roles at OISE, Professor Labrie has also served in several senior positions outside the University. In 2012 he was appointed Scientific Director to the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture, the Quebec funding agency in the social sciences and humanities, and in 2018 he served as Interim President of Université de l’Ontario français. A member of the Governing Council of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, he chairs its Programs Committee.  He has played an active role over the years in international organisations such as the European Commission, the Agence universitaire de la francophonie, and UNESCO. In light of his academic and administrative achievements, Professor Labrie has been recognized with several awards, including a Medal of Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Pléiade from Queen’s Park, and a fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada in recognition his lifelong contributions to the Francophone community in Ontario.

Professor Labrie’s research focuses on the areas of linguistic pluralism, language politics, linguistic minorities, and discourse analysis. Professor Labrie received his MA and PhD in Linguistics, as well as his BA in German Studies, from Laval University.

Please join me in thanking Professor Labrie for his willingness to take on this important interim role.