I write today to announce that I have accepted the resignation of Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer as dean of the Faculty of Science, effective October 1, 2018. At that time, Jonathan will resume his research program as a full professor in the Department of Computing Science and continue his advocacy for the advancement of artificial intelligence in Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada. I will be appointing an interim dean in due course.
On behalf of the University of Alberta, I would like to thank Jonathan for his service as dean. During Jonathan’s tenure as dean, the Faculty of Science has been an innovator in teaching and learning and a leader in research excellence and knowledge transfer. Undergraduate and graduate recruitment, retention, and completion have increased, as has the faculty’s engagement in the community. Several exceptional new faculty members have joined the faculty.
Due to Jonathan’s efforts, students now have many more opportunities for experiential learning within the faculty and people of all ages — and from all regions of the world — have benefited from his leadership in the U of A’s development of MOOCs. He has also enhanced the Faculty of Science’s international partnerships, signing a number of joint educational initiatives with top European and Chinese universities.
A world-renowned researcher in computing science, as dean, Jonathan has played an important role in DeepMind’s decision to open its first international research lab here in Edmonton and helped to ensure that the U of A is a key player in the federal government’s $125 million pan-Canadian artificial intelligence strategy, with universities in Montreal and Toronto-Waterloo.
Please join me in thanking Jonathan for his leadership and commitment to the Faculty of Science and the University of Alberta.
Steven Dew
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)