St. Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Laurie Carlson Berg as the new Dean of the Faculty of Education. In this role, Dr. Carlson Berg will provide strategic vision and leadership for the Faculty through its next phase of development, in keeping with St. Mary’s values and identity.
With over a decade of academic leadership experience and a passion for promoting student success and inclusivity, Dr. Carlson Berg brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this vital role. She has a proven track record of spearheading initiatives that prioritize student wellness and academic achievement. Notably, she has excelled in fostering relationships with Indigenous partners and colleagues, driving program development and renewal that respects diverse perspectives and needs.
Prior to joining St. Mary’s, Dr. Carlson Berg served as the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Université de l’Ontario français and as the Director of French-language bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina. During her tenure, she significantly expanded student enrollment, secured substantial federal funding, and strengthened ties with government bodies, leading to contributions to provincial curriculum renewal processes. “I believe in the power of education to make the world a better place and I am honored to join the incredible Faculty of Education at St. Mary’s,” said Dr. Carlson Berg. “The Faculty’s reputation for excellence is well-known and I am looking forward to learning from the team that has built such a strong program.”
Recognized for her leadership approach, Dr. Carlson Berg emphasizes ethical practices, celebrates team successes, and champions transparent and accountable governance. She actively promotes a culture of engagement and continuous improvement, focusing on communication, organizational excellence, and conflict resolution.
As an engaged scholar with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Dr. Carlson Berg is dedicated to inclusive education, with current research focusing on leadership for change in Francophone school communities and the wellness of teacher educators. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice aligns seamlessly with St. Mary’s values and aspirations. She is a highly skilled academic with research interests that include leadership that fosters student success and wellness of all members of educational settings within a context of diversity in Francophone education in Canada (K-12 and post-secondary settings), and development of inclusive educational settings. Dr. Carlson Berg is a member of two Pan Canadian Research Teams: RÉVERBÈRE, the Network for research and mobilization of research on wellness and success; and Réchauf, the Post-secondary teacher educators’ wellness network.
“Dr. Carlson Berg’s unique and extensive leadership experience, commitment to diversity, and scholarly achievements make her a valuable addition to our institution,” states Dr. Sandy Vanderburgh, Vice-President, Academic. “Her experience developing new academic programs will be invaluable as we launch our new Master’s program. I am thrilled to welcome her to our Faculty of Education, and I thank the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire for the university.”
Dr. Carlson Berg is poised to lead the Faculty of Education at St. Mary’s towards continued excellence, leveraging her expertise to enhance learning experiences and fortify partnerships within the university and broader community.
Dr. Carlson Berg will begin her role as Dean starting in early February 2023.
Congratulations and welcome to St. Mary’s, Dr. Carlson Berg!