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�Ӱ�ԭ�� University President Benoit-Antoine Bacon and Provost Jerry Tomberlin are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brenda O’Neill as Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs, effective October 1, 2020.

Dr. O’Neill recently served as the Department Head of Political Science at the University of Calgary. She previously held academic leadership appointments at the University of Manitoba, first as the Graduate Chair of the Department of Political Studies, and later as the Provost of University of Manitoba’s University College.

“On behalf of �Ӱ�ԭ�� University, I look forward to welcoming Brenda to the �Ӱ�ԭ�� community,” said Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Jerry Tomberlin. “She is a highly respected researcher in her field, and a collaborative, inspiring leader with an impressive track record of academic leadership experience. These qualities, combined with her vision for the future, make her an excellent choice for taking on this leadership role in the Faculty of Public Affairs.”

After obtaining a BA in Economics and Politics at Brock University in 1986, Dr. O’Neill completed an MA in Economics and an MA in Public Policy and Administration at McMaster University in 1987 and 1989, respectively, and a PhD in Political Science at the University of British Columbia in 1996.

Dr. O’Neill has held academic appointments at Red Deer College, University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, University of Manitoba and University of Calgary. She is the recipient of several awards in recognition of her teaching, research and service contributions. For the past three years, she has served as the English-language editor of the Canadian Journal of Political Science.

”I’m thrilled to be joining the Faculty of Public Affairs at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University,” said O’Neill. “The Faculty includes a number of strong and distinctive units with such an inspiring commitment to public action and discourse. One of my priorities will be to increase external recognition of these strengths and the Faculty’s reputation generally.”

Dean André Plourde has agreed to extend his term until Dr. O’Neill’s arrival on Oct. 1, 2020.

“I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Dean André Plourde,” said Tomberlin. “Since André joined �Ӱ�ԭ�� in 2011 to serve as the Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs, he has worked tirelessly to advance teaching and research, improve the student experience and raise the reputation of the Faculty of Public Affairs.

“André is �Ӱ�ԭ��’s most senior Dean, and he has been a gracious and supportive mentor to many of his peers, including our newer Deans. On a personal note, I am grateful that his mentorship has extended to me many times since taking on the role of Provost.”