OCAD U appoints Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen

as Vice-President, Academic

(Toronto—June 20, 2012) OCAD University has appointed Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen as Vice-President, Academic, effective September 4, 2012.

Reporting to the President and as a member of the senior cabinet as Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Bovis-Cnossen is responsible for the overall academic enterprise of the university, including academic planning and the academic priorities of the university's new strategic plan, Advancing Excellence at OCAD University for the Age of Imagination, 2012-2017.

She is a graduate of three universities: McMaster University (BA), Wilfrid Laurier University (MA) and the University of Hull (PhD in Sociology and Social Anthropology). She was most recently Dean, School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management, with corporate cross-university responsibility for internationalization at Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh, U.K. In this role, she successfully led the integration of the former schools of Social Sciences, Media and Communication, Drama and Creative Industries and Business, Enterprise and Management, embarking on a process of streamlining activities and focusing on niche distinctiveness while delivering financial savings.

Prior to her position at QMU, Dr. Bovis-Cnossen was Head of Sociology and Criminology and Principal Lecturer in Social Statistics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, U.K. She is a former member of the Scotland Committee of the U.K.'s Equality and Human Rights Commission and has pioneered initiatives in equality and diversity in Higher Education.

In her role as Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Bovis-Cnossen will provide direction and support to the Faculties of Art, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences, as well as the OCAD University Senate and its standing committees, the Centre for Innovation in Art & Design Education, and the departmental areas of Library Services, Student Affairs and OCAD U Gallery and Exhibition Services. She will oversee OCAD University's initiatives in experiential and online learning.

"Christine's outstanding management, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as her open and collegial style will align OCAD U's academic planning and governance with the university's strategic objectives and nurture and develop faculty and academic leaders," said Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD U's President and Vice Chancellor. "I am delighted to welcome Christine to OCAD University."