Second dean candidate visits campus

One of two candidates vying to be the next Dean of Applied Science came to campus to meet students and faculty yesterday.

Kimberly Woodhouse, currently a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, met with students, staff, and faculty from the Faculty of Applied Science in an opening meeting/forum.

“I think I can make a difference by continuing in the initiatives that Dean Harris has put in place and fully engaging the enthusiasm of the faculty,” she said in her presentation. “Specific areas of interest would be in the development of collaborative programs, and initiatives in energy and the environment, and the expansion of inter-disciplinary initiative.”

After speaking on the topic “Looking Forward: Engineering and Engineering Education at Queen’s,” Woodhouse answered questions from members of the faculty regarding issues such as class size, attracting new students to the Faculty, safety policies within laboratories, and diversity within the Faculty. Should she be chosen, Woodhouse said she plans to work with the four goals included in the faculty’s vision statement, particularly with regards to life and leadership skills necessary for a sustainable global society.

“Within that current vision statement, there is talk of citizenship and leadership,” she said. “I think the service learning model aims to develop students with citizenship and leadership skills.”

Connor Langford, EngSoc president, said appointing a new dean for the Faculty of Applied Science is important because of the high level of involvement within the faculty.

“We need a strong leader to advance applied science, and keep our education relevant and engaging,” he said.

Langford said he finds both the candidates extremely qualified.

“I can honestly say that this decision will be a difficult one,” he said. “I think both of these candidates can do [the job] and now it's just a matter of deciding which one will be the best fit.”

Patrick Deane, vice-principal (academic), says the Advisory Committee will consider both the candidates, and will give their recommendations to Principal Karen Hitchcock.

“Ultimately, it is the Principal’s decision,” he said.

Deane said the Advisory Committee would begin their proceedings next week. After reviewing comments on both short-listed candidates, sent by the staff, faculty, and students of the Faculty, the Committee will forward their recommendation to Principal Hitchcock.