2011-2012

News Release

REF NO.: 113

SUBJECT: New associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic

DATE: February 6, 2012

            Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, has a new associate vice-president on the academic side of the house. The executive committee of Memorial University’s Board of Regents appointed Dr. David Peddle to the position of associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic on Friday, Jan. 27.
            Born in Corner Brook, Dr. Peddle has been affiliated with Memorial University for 29 years as a student, teaching assistant, alumnus, sessional lecturer, professor, program chair (humanities) and divisional head (arts). Prior to his appointment at Memorial in 2000 he taught for two years in the Foundation Year Program of the University of King’s College in Halifax, N.S.
            “The role of associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic provides an exceptional opportunity to engage the institution and to contribute to its development,” said Dr. Peddle. “Moreover, my experience at Memorial has left me with the firm belief that we must strive to keep the interests of the student at the heart of the institution. I believe that this has to be the ultimate goal of my office.”          
            Dr. Peddle is co-editor of Philosophy and Freedom (UTP) and numerous articles and book chapters in the fields of political philosophy and the philosophy of religion. He is managing editor of Animus: The Canadian Journal of Philosophy and Humanities.
            “The addition of Dr. Peddle further strengthens our senior administrative team at Grenfell,” said Dr. Mary Bluechardt, vice-president, Grenfell Campus. “Our campus’ growth and development is transforming us into a more involved, more complex institution. Dr. Peddle’s expertise, experience and student-centred philosophy will fortify the teaching and learning portfolio at our campus.”
            Dr. Peddle holds a PhD in political philosophy from the University of Ottawa, and an MA and BA in philosophy from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
            “On behalf of the entire Memorial University family, I offer congratulations to Dr. Peddle on his appointment to this new and important position,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor. “As we continue to grow our west coast team, so does Memorial strengthen as a whole. I have every confidence that Dr. Peddle’s extensive knowledge and experience will serve to complement and enhance the great things happening at Grenfell.”
            The associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic is a part of the senior administrative team of Grenfell Campus. In addition to advising the vice-president (Grenfell Campus) on academic matters, this position oversees the day-to-day and long-term academic functioning of Grenfell. The associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic works in collaboration with division heads of arts, fine arts, social science and science; the associate university librarian; the registrar; the co-ordinator of student affairs; the manager of student recruitment; the Grenfell Campus Student Union; and, in the future, the director of the Western Regional School of Nursing. 
            As an ex officio member of key committees, the associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) academic has a responsibility to facilitate administrative liaison and to exercise academic leadership. Two major areas of responsibility are the development of the annual teaching plan and adherence to the terms of the collective agreements that govern the interactions of the university with the faculty and staff. 

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