The University of Western Ontario has announced the appointment of Vicki Schwean as Dean of the Faculty of Education, beginning a five-year term on July 1.
Schwean is presently Vice-Dean (Finance & Academic Administration) in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary, where she also holds the position of Interim Associate Dean in the Office of Graduate Programs. Other senior administrative positions Schwean has held include: Associate Dean, Division of Applied Psychology, University of Calgary (2005-2009); Head, Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Saskatchewan (2001-2005); and founder of University of Calgary Applied Psychological and Educational Services, an award-winning clinic.
SCHWEAN
A registered psychologist, Schwean holds bachelor and masters degrees from the University of Regina in addition to a PhD from the University of Saskatchewan in educational psychology.
She began her academic career in 1988 as an assistant professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s Department for the Education of Exceptional Children. Prior to that, she held various positions as a teacher and school psychologist for the Regina Board of Education and Saskatchewan’s Department of Social Services between 1977 and 1988. In addition to a number of books, book chapters and articles focusing on child assessment and mental health, Schwean has been a strong advocate for systemic reform in service delivery for vulnerable and at-risk children and youth throughout her academic career.
“Professor Schwean brings a strong record of professional experience, academic achievement and administrative leadership that will help guide our faculty through the changing landscape of teacher education, scholarship and service,” says Janice Deakin, Provost & Vice-President (Academic). “Vicki impressed the decanal selection committee with her energy and vision, as well as the potential she sees for Western to set new standards in meeting the future needs of the teaching profession.”
President Amit Chakma adds, “Western’s Faculty of Education has a proud history of developing exceptional teachers and is well recognized for its contributions to educational research. We are fortunate to have recruited a leader of Vicki Schwean’s quality to our campus, and we look forward to supporting her and her colleagues in pursuit of academic excellence and outstanding service to the community.”
Schwean succeeds Carol Beynon, who has served as Acting Dean since July 1, 2010, following Julia O’Sullivan’s departure and appointment as Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
