Provost Evans’ wife is journeying across the world to keep him company at Queen’s.
Adeline Johns-Putra, professor of Literature and Head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University Malaysia, is coming to Queen’s as a tenured professor in the Department of English.
Johns-Putra’s role was negotiated at the same time as her husband Evans’ in the spring of 2023. According to Principal Patrick Deane’s statement to The Journal, this was long before the current budget issues were fully understood and well before any hiring freezes were in place.
According to her website, Johns-Putra’s primary research interest is the relationship between climate and literature. She will be among two other professors with similar research interests, according to professor profiles on the English department’s website. She and Evans are celebrating 11 years of marriage in July, having both worked at the University of Exeter two decades ago.
The Journal contacted Johns-Putra to understand her outlook on joining the Queen’s community but didn’t receive a response in time for publication.
Deane said spousal appointments aren’t uncommon in academic contexts and the department is in full support of her joining the faculty. He said Johns-Putra’s salary is funded outside of the faculty budget, and any human resource matters involving Johns-Putra will be dealt with through the Principal’s Office.
“The Provost has had nothing to do with his wife’s appointment nor will he once she joins the University this summer. There are spousal appointments at Queen’s and the University will follow procedures to avoid any conflict, real or perceived,” Deane said.
Queen’s has a program for spouses or partners of faculty relocating to Kingston. Faculty members are often part of a “dual-career couple” and Queen’s is open to spousal appointments to attract top talent.
The collective agreement between Queen’s University Faculty Union (QUFA) and the University outlines exemptions to the regular appointment process for faculty members’ partners.
Perks of spousal appointments include being short-listed for positions, and waiving advertising for the position under “exceptional circumstances” according to the collective agreement. An exception was granted in the case of Johns-Putra’s appointment.
Tags
Johns-Putra, Provost, Provost Matthew Evans, spousal appointment
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