Physics professor Dr. Peter Williams will take post January 2010
(Wolfville, N.S.) -- Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor, Ray Ivany, today announced that Dr. Peter Williams has been appointed the University’s dean of Pure and Applied Sciences. Dr. Williams, currently professor of Physics at Acadia, replaces the acting dean, Dr. Robert Raeside. His appointment is effective January 1, 2010.
“Dr. Williams has a distinguished record of scholarly achievement, is well-respected by his colleagues, and has been recognized for his commitment to teaching excellence,” said Mr. Ivany. “I look forward to the contribution Dr. Williams will make to advancing Acadia’s reputation for innovation and student engagement. In welcoming Dr. Williams to his new position, I want to thank Dr. Robert Raeside for his effective leadership as acting dean and the members of the search committee for their professionalism and thoroughness.”
Dr. Williams earned his Bachelor of Science (1985), Master of Science (1987), and Ph.D. (1991) from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He joined Acadia’s Physics Department as an assistant professor in July 1992, was appointed associate professor in July 1997 and professor in July 2005. He has held a number of visiting professorships at institutions across Canada, and between July 2000 and June 2001 was seconded to the Acadia Institute of Teaching and Technology (AITT). He was then was appointed the 2001-2002 Mellon Research Associate at the AITT. Dr. Williams was president of the Acadia University Faculty Association for two consecutive one-year terms between July 2006 and June 2008.
“Dr. Williams has a well-earned reputation for innovation both in his teaching and in his research,” said Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia’s vice-president academic. “Acadia is defined by its collaborative academic community, and Dr. Williams has consistently made significant contributions to the accomplishments of his colleagues both inside and outside of his discipline. Through his work with high school and university students, his study of technology-based teaching techniques, and his leadership on campus, Dr. Williams’ commitment to Acadia’s future success is obvious and I am pleased to congratulate him on his appointment.”
Dr. Williams has received numerous awards for his outstanding work. He was awarded the Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Excellence in Teaching in 2006 and the Association of Atlantic Universities Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2005. In 2002, he received the Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology at the International Conference on College Teaching and Learning. At Acadia, Dr. Williams has received the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching (2004) and the President’s Award for Innovation (1997) with his collaborator, Dr. C. S. MacLatchy.
“I consider myself very fortunate to be a part of Acadia University, and I am truly honoured to be able to accept this appointment. In this new role, I hope to serve the students, staff, and faculty members in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science and support them in their work as capably as I have been supported during my time at Acadia.”
About Acadia University
Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia has long been recognized as one of Canada’s premier post-secondary institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate research initiatives, small classes, and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. For more information about Acadia, visit our website at www.acadiau.ca/
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