Changes in leadership of Concordia's research administration
Concordia University is making changes to the leadership of research administration at the university, naming Graham Carr to the position of Interim Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, and Justin Powlowski as Interim Associate Vice-President, Strategy and Operations, and Interim Director of the Office of Research.
Carr takes on his new role from Louise Dandurand, who as previously announced is retiring at the end of December, while Powlowski replaces Carole Brabant, who leaves Concordia on December 23 to join McGill University as Assistant Vice-Principal (Strategic Planning and Research Development) in the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations).
Carr continues in his position as Dean of Graduate Studies.
“Our goal is to ensure a continuity of the tremendous progress made under the inspiring leadership of Louise Dandurand and Carole Brabant in the research sector,” says Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Frederick Lowy. “They have ensured that a strong support team is in place and that Concordia is well positioned to advance the successes of its researchers and further develop its graduate programs.”
“Graham Carr demonstrates exceptional academic and administrative leadership, and a commitment to advancing research at Concordia,” adds Lowy. “He is well regarded as a leader who fosters an environment of open communication, consensus-building and collaboration.”
“Justin Powlowski has a great understanding of the diversity of research and creativity at Concordia,” says Dandurand. “As Associate Dean, Academic Facilities, he has been successful in delivering major infrastructure projects, including our newest research facilities, the PERFORM Centre and Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics.”
Carr to build on Concordia’s rising research profile
Carr, who is currently the Dean of Graduate Studies, will play a leadership role in advancing excellence in research, graduate studies and international initiatives at a time when Concordia is making significant progress in these areas at home and abroad.
Responsibilities of the Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies include facilitating and promoting research, maximizing research funding opportunities, and developing and implementing policies related to research, technology transfer, and the delivery of a full range of research services and support to Concordia researchers. Through the School of Graduate Studies, students, faculty and administrators are guided through the academic and administrative components of Concordia's graduate programs. The Vice-President also has oversight of the Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that our faculty members are supported in their research initiatives, and that we continue to make Concordia a destination of choice for graduate students,” says Carr.
“It's been a rare privilege to work closely with Carole,” he adds. “While we will miss her, we look forward to a new era of collaboration with McGill. I also feel very fortunate to work with Justin. He is a superb advisor, experienced in administration and research, and is well-respected because he gets things done.”
Carr was named Dean of Graduate Studies by Concordia’s Board of Governors in March 2010. He began his five-year term in May of that year after serving as Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, in Concordia’s Faculty of Arts and Science from 2006 to 2010.
Carr earned a PhD in History from the University of Maine and holds an MA from Queen’s University, where he also received his BA (Hons) History. He has published in the areas of Canadian and U.S. history, culture and identity and is currently President of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Justin Powlowski holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota and is an Associate Professor in Concordia’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is a founding member of Concordia’s Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics, and served for two years as program director for the graduate diploma in biotechnology and genomics. He was named Associate Dean, Academic Facilities in September 2006.
Dandurand closes strong career in research administration
With her retirement, Dandurand caps a 35-year career as one of the great builders in the domain of Canadian research and innovation, someone who brought significant and positive changes to the way research is funded in Canada. She served on the boards or steering committees of numerous national and international organizations supporting higher education, research, creation and innovation.
Under her leadership as Concordia’s first vice-president of research and graduate studies, she formulated and implemented Concordia’s strategy for research funding, and brought together research, partnerships and alliances under a common vision.
Dandurand was also a determined supporter of graduate studies as an integral element in a broader research and training agenda at Concordia. The university adopted her policy on post-doctoral studies and institutional policy on research chairs and research units. She doubled the budget dedicated to initiatives supporting graduate students, accelerated the development of graduate studies programs and re-instituted the position of Dean of Graduate Studies.
As part of Dandurand’s team, Brabant helped position the university as a growing research force.
“Carole’s legacy at Concordia is one of vision, creativity and the ability to find audacious solutions in research administration,” says Dandurand. “Researchers, administrators, and staff members can attest to the positive impact Carole has had in facilitating and showcasing their work, enabling them to accomplish things they would never have believed possible before.”
“In the five years that I worked at Concordia, I have developed a great appreciation for this institution, its personality and its people,” says Brabant. “Great things are happening here and I will be proudly cheerleading the university’s continued success.”
Brabant holds a PhD in environmental sciences from the Université du Québec à Montréal. She has been active in the field of occupational health and safety, focusing her research on the effects of women’s typical working conditions. Brabant joined Concordia in November 2006 as the new Director, Research and Innovation. She has been Associate Vice-President, Strategy and Operations, since December 2007 as well as acting Director of the Office of Research since 2008.
Related links:
• “Outgoing VP, Research and Graduate Studies honoured” – NOW December 7, 2011
• "William Cheaib appointed Interim AVP, International" – NOW November 30, 2011
• "Louise Dandurand to retire as Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies" – NOW May 10, 2011
• “Graham Carr Appointed Dean of Graduate Studies” – NOW, March 18, 2010
• Office of Research and Graduate Studies, What We Do
• Faculty of Arts and Science Home, Office of the Dean