University Canada West (UCW) is delighted to announce that Dr. Stacie Chappell will be joining the University starting September 15 as Dean, School of Management and Business.
She joins Dr. Sandra Song, who was appointed Dean, School of Arts, Science and Technology in October 2024. The two will work alongside Dr. Mazi Shirvani, Vice-President, Academic to create a clear academic vision that will contribute effectively to the University's mission and goals.
Dr. Chappell brings 30 years of experience as a leadership scholar and organizational development practitioner.
Her career began in organizational development and leadership coaching at the University of British Columbia. She was recruited to the Graduate School of Management (GSM) at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where she expanded the executive programs portfolio before serving on the leadership team of the executive education joint venture between UWA and the Australian Institute of Management.
Dr. Chappell joined the GSM as a full-time lecturer while undertaking her doctoral research on leadership effectiveness and multiple intelligences. After completing her PhD, she moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where she achieved tenure and promotion to Associate Professor at Western New England (WNEU) University.
In Fall 2019, she joined Vancouver Island University (VIU) as the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs. During her time at VIU, she also served as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Management and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services. In these roles, she led strategic initiatives across faculties, strengthened program quality and built collaborative cultures grounded in authenticity, transparency and open communication.
Dr. Chappell's research explores the inner journey of leadership, leadership effectiveness and innovative teaching approaches. A master facilitator and certified professional coach, she is the author of a book and numerous peer-reviewed articles on the "Classroom as Organization" methodology.
She continues to explore its core principles experimentation, reflection and authenticity while also studying change implementation, the Giving Voice to Values framework, compassion in organizations and experiential learning.
Dr. Chappell is a longstanding member and past chair of a Division of the Academy of Management. Her community work has included serving on various Chambers of Commerce and local economic development associations and governance committees.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Stacie Chappell to University Canada West," said Dr. Shirvani.
"Alongside Dr. Sandra Song, we are building a dynamic academic leadership team. Together, we look forward to shaping a cohesive academic vision that advances UCW's mission and prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow."
Dr. Song is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, policy development, human resources and project management across government, academic and non-profit sectors.
Dr. Song joined UCW from Adler University in Vancouver and Chicago, where she was Chair, Public Policy & Administration Programs. Prior to that, she was Director, Department of Public Health at Concordia University of Edmonton and a senior policy analyst for the federal government for 12 years.
Her leadership extends internationally, with research collaborations and academic exchanges in Japan, Brazil, Colombia and Portugal.
She has a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Alberta and earned her Master of Arts and Honour's Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Concordia University. She also has a
Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University.
She has been awarded four Fulbright Community Leadership Program grants based on partnerships with government, academia and community groups. She currently serves as the Canadian Chair of the Fulbright Alumni Advisory Council and the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Society Board of Directors.
For more information
1461 Granville Street
Vancouver British Columbia
Canada V6Z 0E5
www.ucanwest.ca
