I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Gretchen Kerr in the new role of Vice-Dean, Programs and Innovation at the School of Graduate Studies for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2018. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Professor Elizabeth Smyth, Vice-Dean, Programs, who has graciously agreed to extend her role until June 30, 2018 to ensure a smooth transition.

As Vice-Dean, Programs and Innovation, Professor Kerr will focus on promoting and supporting program innovation across all three campuses. In addition to providing oversight to the School of Graduate Studies’ Graduate Centre for Academic Communication and Graduate Professional Skills program, she will assist and support graduate units in making programmatic changes that are responsive to changing circumstances while improving the graduate student experience and the quality of graduate education at the University of Toronto.

Professor Kerr is currently serving as Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, where she has distinguished herself as a leader of program innovation, particularly in the areas of work-integrated learning and professionalization. She was instrumental in launching the Master of Professional Kinesiology program, the first graduate program of its kind in Ontario. She is also an internationally recognized scholar in the areas of abuse, harassment and bullying in sport, coach education, and women in coaching. Most recently, she contributed her expertise in this area to the roles of Chair of the University-wide Expert Panel on Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence, and Co-Chair of the working group responsible for developing the newly released sexual violence prevention training module.

Professor Kerr holds a PhD in Exercise Sciences from U of T’s Faculty of Medicine and a Master’s in Physical Education from York University. She joined the University of Toronto in 1991, and brings nearly 20 years of experience in academic administration to the School of Graduate Studies.

Please join me in welcoming Professor Kerr to the School of Graduate Studies. I have no doubt that she will be an exceptional addition to the community, and I look forward to the energy, commitment, and vision that she will bring to this new role.