I am pleased to announce that the Senior Appointments and Compensation Committee has approved the appointment of Dr. Maureen MacDonald as Dean of the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), effective January 1, 2017.

Dr. MacDonald brings to this position 20+ years of expertise in the field of continuing education. In her current role as Dean of the Division of Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria (UVic), Dr. MacDonald has twice led the development of a five-year strategic plan for the Division of Continuing Studies, and has developed academic plans that feed into UVic’s annual integrated planning process. In addition, the financial success of the Division enabled Dr. MacDonald and her team to self-finance a $13 million expansion project of their Continuing Studies Building, which was completed this past March.

Dr. MacDonald has forged partnerships within and external to UVic—including other post-secondary institutions, First Nations’ communities, professional associations and accrediting bodies, employers, community groups, and an array of international partners, agents, and liaison officers.

Dr. MacDonald has also distinguished herself as a leader in the UVic community, having served on a number of university committees, such as the Dean’s Council, Senate, President’s Advisory Council, Senate Committee on Academic Planning, Educational Technology Advisory Council, Community University Engagement Committee, Indigenous Advisory Committee, Emergency Operations Committee, Employment Equity Committee, and the Negotiating Committee for collective bargaining with the Professional Employees Association. She also chairs the President’s Advisory Committee on Employment Equity.

Dr. MacDonald has a PhD from the University of North Dakota, an MBA from McGill University, and a JD and BA from the University of Manitoba. She also considers herself a life-long learner and has completed a number of continuing studies courses.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Maureen MacDonald to the U of T community.