Event for STMU. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski
St. Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tara Hyland-Russell as Vice-President Academic and Dean for a five-year term effective September 7, 2015. The appointment is the culmination of a rigorous international search, facilitated by Laverne Smith & Associates Inc. of Toronto.
Dr. Hyland-Russell has been a member of the faculty at St. Mary’s University since 1999, most recently holding the position of Interim Dean, Arts and Sciences. Prior to this Hyland-Russell served as Associate Dean of Students and Coordinator of the Liberal Studies Degree Program. As Director of Humanities 101—St. Mary’s program for marginalized learners—Dr. Hyland-Russell is a leader in the exploration of how the lives of non-traditional adult learners can be transformed by studying the humanities at the university level. Her other research interests lie in the area of applied literature focusing on the use of literature to motivate personal, social or political change.
“Dr. Tara Hyland-Russell has always been a strong academic leader within the St. Mary’s Community,” says Board Chair James T. (Terry) McCoy, “and I look forward to her continuing leadership and key contributions in this new role.”
Dr. Hyland-Russell says she is excited to take on new challenges in this, her next role with St. Mary’s. “St. Mary’s is at an important juncture in its history and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues as we continue to build on our successes.”
“I’m very much looking forward to working with Dr. Hyland-Russell, who is an exceptional academic leader and a dynamic administrator,” says Dr. Gerry Turcotte, President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Mary’s University. “Her passion for the academy, coupled with her strong belief in social justice as a foundation for all human interactions, makes her an ideal fit for St. Mary’s University.”
About St. Mary’s University
St. Mary’s University is a Catholic post-secondary, student-focused liberal arts and sciences teaching and research institution. St. Mary’s offers Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree, and courses in 35 academic disciplines. For more information, visit www.stmu.ca
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Thérèse Takacs, Vice-President, Advancement
St. Mary’s University
14500 Bannister Road SE
Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4
Direct phone: 403-254-3139 Cell phone: 403-587-577-8550 Fax: 403-254-3774
