St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Erin Morton as the next Associate Vice-President, Research, Graduate, and Professional Studies (AVPRGPS). Dr. Morton is a distinguished scholar and experienced academic leader with a strong track record in research, graduate education, and strategic academic initiatives.
Dr. Erin Morton - StFX's new Associate Vice-President, Research, Graduate, and Professional Studies
Currently serving as Dean of Arts at StFX, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the university's academic landscape, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening research capacity within the institution. With an extensive background in research leadership, Dr. Morton has been actively involved in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. A historian of art and culture by training, her research interests span visual and material culture studies, critical cultural theory, and Atlantic Canadian studies, and she has contributed significantly to academic discourse through her three published books with McGill-Queen's University Press, editorial leadership at Acadiensis: Journal of the History of the Atlantic Region, and mentorship of nearly 20 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University.
"Her deep knowledge of research administration and graduate education, combined with her commitment to fostering a collaborative research environment, make her an outstanding choice for this role," said Dr. Amanda Cockshutt, Provost and Vice-President Academic at StFX and Chair of the Search Committee. "Her vision and leadership will be instrumental in advancing StFX's strategic priorities in research excellence, innovation, and graduate studies. We are thrilled to have her continue her leadership at StFX in this capacity."
In this new role, Dr. Morton will oversee research services, graduate programs, and professional studies at StFX, leading efforts to expand research capacity, enhance graduate education, and foster external partnerships. She will work closely with faculty, students, and external stakeholders to position StFX as a national leader in research and professional studies.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Morton shared, "I am delighted to continue contributing to St. Francis Xavier University in this service role. I have seen first-hand the innovative teaching, transformative research, and community engagement that faculty, students, and staff bring to and build with this amazing university. I am excited to take on this new role and collaborate with StFX's scholars and our research partners to drive meaningful research and education that benefits our students and greater communities."
Dr. Morton brings deep institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to research administration and graduate education. The search committee is confident that Dr. Morton's leadership will further strengthen the university's research ecosystem and academic excellence.
St. Francis Xavier University would like to extend its gratitude to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire for the university.
Dr. Morton will begin her new role starting on July 1, 2025.
