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New dean brings rich interdisciplinary teaching and research experience

New Dean Sarita Srivastava

Sarita Srivastava becomes Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and School of Interdisciplinary Studies on September 1

OCAD University has appointed Sarita Srivastava, PhD, as Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and School of Interdisciplinary Studies, effective September 1, 2020.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Srivastava to the University where she will lead the Faculty’s educational and research development, enhance the student experience and facilitate community and institutional partnerships,” announced Dr. Caroline Langill, Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

The new dean is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Department of Gender Studies and Cultural Studies graduate program at Queen’s University. She chaired the Research Ethics Board and was a founding Chair of the Equity Committee in the Department of Sociology.

Since 2003, Dr. Srivastava has worked to integrate critical race theory, equity and social justice into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum at Queen’s University.

Her research areas include social movements, and the cultural politics of race, emotion, and equity efforts in organizations. Her upcoming book, You’re Calling Me a Racist? The Emotional Landscape of Racial Encounters, explores the conflicts, emotional responses and pedagogical practices that arise when community organizations are faced with anti-racist challenges.

Our current global crisis has highlighted how urgently we need creative and hybrid approaches that bring together research, technology, the arts, and community engagement with a commitment to social justice,” said Dr. Srivastava.

“This is what makes the innovative work at OCAD U so uniquely suited to approaching the questions of our time. These commitments have also been the focus of my life’s work, so I am both honoured and incredibly excited to become a part of the dynamic team at OCAD U," she added.

Dr. Srivastava received the 2016 Faculty Award of Excellence by the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen’s University in recognition of her supervision of 40 graduate students within three graduate programs, which she describes as a profoundly rewarding experience.

Prior to joining Queen’s University, Dr. Srivastava was Director of the Women’s/Gender Studies program at the University of Toronto at Mississauga. She was also a director of national environmental campaigns for Greenpeace Canada.

In her work as an activist, she has also supported Indigenous, labour and feminist social movements. Additionally, Dr. Srivastava has been active in community radio, community gardening and popular education.

Thank you to Ryan Rice and Search Committee

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Ryan Rice who has been serving as Acting Dean of the Faculty, and thank him for his leadership and ongoing commitment to OCAD U,” said Dr. Langill. “I also would like to thank the members of the search committee for their invaluable advice and guidance with the process.”