The following is an open letter from TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Alan Shaver:

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jim Gaisford as the new Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Thompson Rivers University.

Dr. Gaisford is a seasoned academic, having spent more than 25 years in both faculty and administrative roles. Since 2010, he has been the Associate Dean (Students) at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Arts. Prior to that, he has been the Associate Dean of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Sciences (2006 – 2010) and Undergraduate Coordinator of its Department of Economics (2002 – 2005).
A lifelong advocate of liberal arts education and a passionate teacher, Dr. Gaisford has won several awards and recognitions including the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Science ‘Distinguished Teaching Award’ in 2000, and its Department of Economics ‘Superior Teaching Award’ every year from 1998 to 2003. In his own words, “As an instructor, I seek to inspire my students – to be a catalyst that motivates them to embark on a journey of intellectual inquiry, analysis, creativity and discovery.”

Dr. Gaisford holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Economics, from Queen’s University as well as a Master of Arts: Economics from Queen’s University and a Master of Arts: Social and Political Thought from York University. His fields of specialization include International Trade Theory, Policy and Economic Development as well as Agricultural Trade and Related Issues.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Search Committee, which included Ian McParland (Student), Charles Hays, Darryl Carlyle-Moses, Denis Powers, Harold Richins, Karen Hofmann, Penny Snell, and Robin Nichol. The Committee conducted its work with diligence, professionalism and sensitivity and we sincerely appreciate their many hours of hard work on behalf of the university.

Finally, I would like to thank Sandra Vermuelen and Ron McGivern, Associate Deans of the Faculty of Arts, who have done outstanding work in providing leadership and oversight of the Faculty of Arts over the past several months, and will continue to do so in support of the faculty and its incoming Dean.

Dr. Gaisford will begin his five-year term on January 1, 2014. Dr. Sandra Vermeulen will be the Interim Dean of the Faculty of Arts from July 1 – December 31, 2013. Please join me, and Dr. Uli Scheck, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, in welcoming Dr. Gaisford to Thompson Rivers University and to Kamloops.

Alan Shaver
President and Vice-Chancellor
Thompson Rivers University
Phone: 250-828-5001
Email: president@tru.ca