UFV has seen a number of new hires, appointments, and changes in staffing over the course of this summer, beginning with Dr. Joanne MacLean taking on her new role as president on May 1.
Dr. Alastair Hodges was appointed to fill the role as dean of the faculty of health sciences left open by MacLean’s new role. Hodges came to UFV in 2011, where he has since held the positions of department head of kinesiology, associate professor, and acting dean of the faculty of health sciences. Hodges received his PhD from the University of British Columbia and post-doctoral fellowship from the University of Calgary. As a certified exercise physiologist, Hodges has research interests in the area of cardiopulmonary responses to aerobic exercise, and occupational physiology and performance, specifically on jobs in the forestry sector.
In the same month, Dr. Maureen Wideman was promoted to vice president, teaching and learning, having been the director of teaching and learning at UFV for the last four years. The teaching and learning centre provides a large range of programs, services, and workshops that support learning at UFV. Wideman holds a PhD from the University of Toronto in education, curriculum, teaching and learning/computer applications.
Laura Authier was brought on as UFV’s new director of marketing, bringing with her over 20 years of marketing and communications experience. Authier was previously the director of marketing at St. Michaels University School for 13 years, and has recently moved out to the Fraser Valley from Victoria.
Dr. David Harper was named as UFV’s interim director of innovation and entrepreneurship. In this position, Harper will work to reach out to faculty, department, and stakeholders to gather input on the new I&E@UFV initiative. The initiative will focus on working internally and with the community on developing innovation at UFV, and creating working relationships with government, businesses, and the community.
Marnie Wright joined UFV’s human resources team as associate vice-president of human resources in June. Wright previously served as the associate superintendent of human resources in the Abbotsford School District, and was a faculty member at Thompson Rivers University, where she also served on senate for several years.
Samantha Pattridge was appointed acting dean of students in the college of arts, a position she will hold until Dec. 31. Before coming to UFV in 2007, Pattridge taught at BCIT, and in Alberta at the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, and Athabasca University. At UFV, Pattridge works as an associate professor of communications. She is involved with many committees at UFV, including the Undergraduate Education Committee, the new International Student Task Force, and the Scheduling and Registration Task Force.
Most recently, Maureen Berlin was named interim executive director of UFV advancement. Berlin brings many years of fundraising and directing experience in the non-profit sector to this position. Before coming to UFV, Berlin worked with the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, SARA for Women, and Big Brothers Fraser Valley.
Information from UFV Today
