A seasoned academic with roots in rural education and expertise in cross-cultural leadership development, and inclusive education has been appointed Dean of the newly created Faculty of Education & Human Development at Thompson Rivers University.

Beginning July 1, Dr. Charles Webber will head the new faculty that brings together the School of Education, School of Social Work and Human Service along with the departments of English as a Second Language, and University Preparation and the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Charles Webber will head the new Faculty of Education and Human Development

“In Dr. Webber, TRU has found a preeminent scholar whose administrative experience and areas of research expertise resonate with the core values and priorities of our newly realigned Faculty of Education and Human Development,”said Dr. Larry Prins, Associate Vice-President Academic and chair of the dean search committee.

For his part, Dr. Webber spoke to the compelling opportunities and challenges associated with his new role and said that they were significant factors in his decision to accept the appointment.

“It will be a privilege to lead this new Faculty. The colleagues assigned to the unit are strong teacher-practitioners and scholars with expertise that is so necessary in their fields of study. It is exciting to become part of Thomson Rivers University when it is at such a pivotal point in its history. Not only is there a new Faculty but a new team of senior leaders who I believe will work together very well and build on the many past successes of the University,” said Dr. Webber.

Dr. Webber completed his Ph.D. in 1984 at the University of Oregon in the Faculty of Education. He obtained the rank of full Professor in 2003 in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary. He served for eight years as the Associate Dean in the Graduate Division of Educational Research, and was responsible for leading 65 faculty members, 20 part-time instructors, 14 support staff, and approximately 1000 full and part-time graduate students. He has published numerous chapters in books, has a sustained record of articles in refereed publications, and has presented papers frequently at major conferences.  He is also in demand as a keynote speaker on topics such as technology and higher education, the culture of higher education, and educational leadership at conferences, convocation addresses, and numerous other public seminars and addresses.