What's New

New Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) Named for OAC

September 18, 2009

Dr. Beverley Hale, professor in OAC’s School of Environmental Sciences, has been appointed to the position of associate dean (research & innovation) for the college.  The appointment, effective immediately, is for a five-year term.

The announcement was made by OAC dean Rob Gordon, who chaired the search committee.

“I am very pleased to welcome Bev to OAC’s senior administrative team,” said Gordon. “Her outstanding leadership ability and commitment to achieving positive change within a collaborative research environment will help OAC and our many partners effectively coordinate our efforts to build new opportunities for graduate student training and research and development provincially, nationally and internationally.”

In making the announcement, Gordon also thanked the members of selection committee for their significant efforts and commitment in the selection process.  

The associate dean (research & innovation) will be responsible for issues relating to all graduate programs within OAC, including oversight of various OAC research and graduate programs. Included in the role will be the coordination of research and business planning activities, the development of research support programs, and liaison with client organizations and industries to build business development and training opportunities.

Dr. Hale is an OAC alumnus, holding a PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Guelph as well as BSc and MSc degrees from the University of Toronto. A faculty member in OAC since 1990, she most recently served in the role of acting chair for the department of Land Resource Science. She is also the research director for Metals in the Human Environment, a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) strategic network for research in support of science-based environmental and human health risk assessments for metals in water, soil and food.

“I look forward to the many opportunities ahead to advance the college’s research agenda,” said Hale. "OAC's capacities in food, communities and the environment are germane to every major challenge facing civil society, and I am committed to growing our relationships with public and private sector partners to address those challenges through research and training, in ways that benefit faculty, staff and students."

For more information, contact OAC Communications: Brenda Cassidy at 519-824-4120, ext 56832 or bcassidy@uoguelph.ca