Dr. Joanne MacLean new Dean of Health Sciences

Dr. Joanne MacLean will be joining the University of the Fraser Valley as Dean of the new Faculty of Health Sciences on August 1.

This is a new role heading up a new faculty, one created by bringing the Kinesiology and Physical Education department together with programs in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and Health Care Assistant. Dr. Diane Reed has been serving as interim dean since the new faculty was created last summer.

Currently an associate professor (full professorship pending) in the department of Sport Management at Brock University, Dr. MacLean holds a PhD from Ohio State University (1992); a Master of Physical Education from the University of New Brunswick (1984); and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of New Brunswick (1982).

Through a lengthy career in the worlds of academia and athletics, she has held the positions of interim dean, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University (2010–11); chair, department of Sport Management at Brock University (2007–10); associate professor with tenure, department of Sport Management, Brock University (2003–present); associate professor, department of Sport Management, Brock University (2002–03); associate professor with tenure, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Windsor (1994–2002); director, department of Athletics & Recreational Services, University of Windsor (1997–2002); acting director, department of Athletics & Recreational Services, University of Windsor (1996–97); coordinator of Women’s Interuniversity Athletics, University of Windsor (1987–96); assistant professor, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Windsor (1988–94); assistant director of women’s sport, University of Windsor (1986–87); director of intramural sport, University of Windsor (1985–86); technical director of Basketball New Brunswick (1985); lecturer, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Windsor (1985–88); and director, Fitness Assessment Centre, University of New Brunswick (1984).

UFV’s two strategic goals (to provide the best undergraduate education in Canada, and to be a leader of social, cultural, economic, and environmentally-responsible development in the Fraser Valley) both resonated with MacLean and made her think that she and UFV would be a good fit.

“The more I looked into the institution, the more I felt that it would be a great fit for me. UFV has boldly identified where it wants to go — to be the best in Canada in undergraduate education — and that resonated with me, because I have always identified strongly with undergraduate students, whether I was teaching, coaching, or being an administrator. So that made this opportunity very compelling for me,” she said.

MacLean is coming from Brock University, which places very high importance on engagement and involvement with its communities in the Niagara region of Ontario, so she sees a natural transition to the community-focused UFV.

“I think that it is critical that a university have an impact on the communities we serve,” she said. “The folks ‘down the street’ are just as important as those across the country or around the world.”

She is looking forward to coming in to lead a relatively new faculty (in its current configuration), while acknowledging that the departments and people which comprise it bring decades of experience and insight.

“It’s a good combination, bringing kinesiology and physical education together with other health programs. There are many threads to bring the groups together in terms of health and wellness. So much of kinesiology is focused on health and well-being, not just of athletes but of the whole population,” she said. “We will be focused on the development of individuals who will be leaders in health care and in health promotion, so there is a strong connect there, and together those strengths can have a real impact. I’m excited about the Faculty of Health Sciences for what it is now and what it might become.”

She sees health and wellness as being a critical priority in contemporary Canadian society.

“Members of our faculty will play a key role in the educational response to future health care issues, and I welcome the opportunity to engage with them.”

“I look forward to welcoming Joanne to a great leadership team,” says VP Academic and Provost Eric Davis. “She is an engaging individual who brings experience, energy, and intelligence to a new faculty, the whole institution, and the communities of the Fraser Valley. My thanks to the interim dean, Dr. Diane Reed, for her tireless efforts during this transition period to lay the foundations for the future success of Joanne, and of our dynamic Faculty of Health Sciences.”

MacLean will be based at the new Chilliwack campus at the Canada Education Park, which will be the home campus of Health Sciences programs, although, although kinesiology courses will continue to be offered on both the Chilliwack and Abbotsford campuses.

A big sports fan with a lifelong professional involvement in university athletics as a basketball coach and athletic director, MacLean is looking forward to watching the Cascades teams as they continue to make their mark in Canadian university athletics.

“I have been hearing a lot about the Cascades recently and am looking forward to cheering them on and supporting them in any way I can.”

MacLean and her partner will be moving to the Fraser Valley this summer and look forward to learning more about the university and its communities.