Deans chosen for Faculties of Arts and Science, Fine Arts

By Barbara Black

Two decanal appointments were ratified at the April 28 meeting of the university’s Board of Governors.

David Graham will become Dean of Arts & Science on Aug. 1, and Catherine Wild will become Dean of Fine Arts on Sept. 1. Both are for five-year terms, and both appointees are new to Concordia.

Graham is currently Dean of Arts at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has been at Memorial since 1979 and served as head of the Department of French and Spanish before he became dean in 2002.

Those who heard his thoughtful remarks, some of them in elegant French, at the candidates’ presentation last month were deeply impressed.

He is a specialist in early modern French literature, and does research in the French emblem book, a 16th-century illustrated genre. He is also interested in computer-assisted research, hypertext, and the novel and poetry of 20th-century France and Quebec.

In announcing the appointment, President Frederick Lowy referred to Graham’s reputation as an academic leader. “He has breadth of experience, an extraordinary record of accomplishment as a research scholar, and a progressive vision of the future, which he expresses with passion and integrity."

Provost Martin Singer echoed that assessment, and added, "The search process was a rich one and confirmed Concordia's growing reputation both in Canada and abroad. More than 50 highly qualified candidates came forward for the position.” He particularly thanked Interim Dean June Chaikelson for her stewardship of the Faculty.

Catherine Wild is a distinguished studio artist who specializes in printmaking. She was Dean of the Faculty of Foundation Studies of the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) from 1996 to 2004.

She served a five-year term on the Council of Ontario Universities, and has worked at various administrative levels at several Canadian universities, as well as Arizona State University.

A graduate of Concordia (BFA, 1972), she got the terminal degree in her field from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (MFA, 1982). She has taught full-time at the University of Alberta, Concordia University, Arizona State University and the University of Toronto, and is currently a professor at OCAD.

Lowy said, “Through her exceptional range of experience as both an artist and administrator, she exemplifies the personal and professional qualities that we are looking for.

“She understands both the challenges facing fine arts education in Canada today and Concordia's leading role as a particularly dynamic and thriving Faculty. I am confident that she will be a consensus builder, decision-maker and a thoughtful and energetic Dean of Fine Arts."

Singer said that this, too, was a popular post with applicants.

"We had an impressive list of more than 35 highly qualified candidates who applied for the position, from both inside and outside Canada. We have found the appropriate person to continue the rich legacy of outgoing Dean Christopher Jackson."