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For
more information contact:
Sheri
Woodland
Office
of Public Affairs
Acadia
University
Phone:
(902)
585-1362
Fax:
(902) 585-1072
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Acadia
appoints first Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
For Release: February 14, 2003
(Wolfville,
NS) - Exciting research can, and does, occur at small
primarily undergraduate institutions. This is evidenced at Acadia
University with the recent appointment of Dr. Thomas Ellis as the
first Dean of Research and Graduate Studies. With the expansion of
the role of research on campus under the leadership of Dr. Ellis,
Acadia positions itself to play a leadership role in the development
of knowledge in Canada.
"In creating the new
position of Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Acadia is clearly
recognizing the increasingly important role of research on its
campus. All universities, even those whose primary mission is to
provide a high-quality undergraduate education, understand that
research and scholarly activities are a vital component at any
dynamic university," said Dr. Ellis.
Dr. Ellis comes to
Acadia from the University of Montreal where he was a Chemistry
professor and Co-director of the Laboratory for Characterization of
Materials. He holds a BSc in Engineering Physics from Dalhousie and
a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo. He is also
involved with the Canadian Light Source research initiative, which
investigates the application of synchrotrons, or "super light
microscopes," for study of many types of materials including plants,
soil, snow, and solar cells.
Coming to Acadia is,
in many ways, a homecoming for Dr. Ellis. Born in Halifax, his roots
in Nova Scotia run deep. "My great-grandfather was a sea-captain,
who sailed the world from the port of Economy, just across the Minas
Basin from Wolfville. My grandfather was an educator in Sydney, and
my father, a retired banker, is well-known for his contributions to
Nova Scotia in general, and to Acadia in particular. I am pleased to
have the opportunity to return to my native province, and to be
involved with the fields of education and research that are so
important for the future of Nova Scotia," says Dr. Ellis.
As Dean of Research
and Graduate Studies, Dr. Ellis is responsible for developing
programs and initiatives that support faculty in developing
successful research careers. Dr. Ellis will facilitate grants for
faculty members and institutional grants, oversee the University's
participation in contract research, and maintain relationships with
national granting councils. He will also oversee the process of
masters' theses committees and help to coordinate graduate student
admission, scholarships, and assistantships.
"I want my office to
be known for its ability to respond to the needs of researchers and
graduate students, and I intend to be a strong voice for these
groups both on and off campus. Acadia is now renowned for the Acadia
Advantage program, and my dream is for Acadia to become known for
its innovative approaches to research," says Dr. Ellis.
Dr. Michael Leiter,
Vice-President (Academic) and Chair of the Dean Selection Committee,
is excited about the appointment and looks forward to the continued
development of research at Acadia. "Research activity is not only an
important source of innovation but also an increasingly important
source of post-secondary funding. I am confident that Dr. Ellis can
take advantage of these funding opportunities to expand the research
capacity of Acadia University."
Acadia University
maintains strong ties between its research enterprise and the
private sector. Contract research projects with public and private
sector interests characterize an increasing proportion of research
activities. Acadia University continues to build on its
well-respected academic traditions, a strong record of scholarly
achievement, and a distinctive culture of innovation and
partnership.
-30-
For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Manager
Office of Public Affairs
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
Acadia
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