2012-2013

News Release

REF NO.: 78

SUBJECT: New associate vice-president (academic) for Marine Institute

DATE: February 11, 2013

The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland has named Dr. Robert Shea as its new associate vice-president (academic and student affairs). Dr. Shea’s appointment was approved by Memorial University’s Board of Regents on Thursday, Feb. 7. 
Dr. Shea was the unanimous choice of the search committee. He will join the institute in his new position on June 4, 2013.
Dr. Shea recently served as Memorial University’s acting deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president academic (undergraduate studies) as well as dean pro tempore to the department of Student Affairs and Services.
Dr. Shea has taught with Memorial’s Faculty of Education, specializing in the areas of post-secondary and adult education. He was involved in the supervision of numerous doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students in dissertation, thesis, internship and service learning placements. Dr. Shea is the founding editor of the Canadian Journal of Career Development, with more than 2,800 subscribers from around the world. His current research project is a five-year study of career integrated and work integrated learning in post-secondary organizations.
“I’m delighted Dr. Shea has agreed to take on this critical position within the Marine Institute,” said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute). “His background and expertise are ideally aligned with the institute’s focus on academic programs that meet the needs of our students and the industries we serve. I believe Dr. Shea’s extensive experience in student affairs and experiential learning and his strong linkages to academic programming within Memorial will ensure continued growth and success of the institute.”
From 2001-06 Dr. Shea was the founding director of Memorial’s department of Career Development and Experiential Learning. There, he was responsible for the leadership and administration of the Centre for Career Development and the development of experiential learning programs. He also acted as a liaison to government and industry partners.
Dr. Shea has been involved in the leadership of a number of higher education and community organizations. These include his current role as president of the International Association of Student Affairs and Services Association representing 687 members from more than 52 countries around the world. He has been president of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services and founding president of the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling.
“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to be part of a world-class organization that supports academic and student success throughout all its programs and endeavours,” said Dr. Shea. “It is an incredible opportunity to work with a team of faculty and staff committed to positioning the Fisheries and Marine Institute as a strategic partner in enhancing the economic and community development of this province through leadership in the oceans sector.”
The Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers created a national award in Dr. Shea’s name for the achievement of significant research in the field of career development. Dr. Shea himself was awarded the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services’ highest award of honour in 2011, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 1999 and he was named Citizen of the Year in St. John’s in 1998.
Dr. Shea holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of Calgary and a master’s in education administration from Memorial, as well as bachelor degrees in social work and arts, both from Memorial.
               The associate vice-president (Marine Institute) academic and student affairs is a newly created position that reports directly to the vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute). The position oversees the allocation and management of faculty and academic resources, leads the academic planning process and ensures the continued development and provision of high quality industrial, technical and academic programming consistent with the institute’s vision and long-term strategic plan. Dr. Shea will also provide significant leadership in student services, registration and teaching and learning support, areas that address the needs of students and impact their success.

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