Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Brent Wolfe as the associate vice-president and dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS). He will begin his five-year term on July 1, 2023.
Wolfe has held various research, faculty and administrative positions at Laurier since joining in 2002 as an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Prior to taking on his current role of acting associate vice-president and dean of FGPS, he served as associate dean of FGPS.
"Dr. Wolfe has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication during his tenure as acting associate vice-president and dean, and his contributions have been invaluable to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies," said Heidi Northwood, interim provost and vice-president: academic. "His strong commitment to academic excellence and unwavering support for our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows make him the ideal candidate to lead our community forward."
During his acting term as associate vice-president and dean of the FGPS, Wolfe led significant program innovation and diversification. He brings to the role wide-ranging experience with supporting graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in several capacities, including as a supervisor, mentor, graduate coordinator and acting dean.
Wolfe earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geological Sciences from the University of Manitoba and his PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo. He held one of six Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Northern Research Chairs in Canada for 10 years from 2002 to 2012 and has trained over 50 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the advancement of Laurier's graduate and postdoctoral studies and expand our excellence as a comprehensive institution," said Wolfe. "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure that every graduate student and postdoctoral fellow has a successful and rewarding experience."
Wolfe will continue to provide strategic direction to FGPS, ensure the delivery of high-quality programs, foster a culture of research excellence, and promote an inclusive and supportive learning environment for domestic and international graduate students. He will work closely with faculty, staff, students and external partners to advance the university's objectives and expand Laurier's graduate and postdoctoral programs.
