Announcing four new UM dean appointments

The University of Manitoba is pleased to announce the following appointments:

Dr. Karen Ragoonaden
Dean, Faculty of Education

Dr. Karen Ragoonaden has been named dean of the Faculty of Education, effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Ragoonaden will also hold an appointment as professor, education administration, foundations and psychology.

Dr. Ragoonaden returns to campus after holding a number of prominent leadership roles at the University of British Columbia (UBC) including as professor and director, Centre for Mindful Engagement; director, Professional Development Programs and the Summer Institute in Education (Okanagan campus); co-chair of UBC’s Faculty of Education Indigenous Education Council and faculty senior advisor to UBC’s President. As the recipient of the prestigious Killam Teaching Award and numerous Tri-Council grants, her research and publications reflect a strong advocacy to equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation.

Dr. Ragoonaden’s scholarly work focuses on culturally sustainable pedagogy and contemplative approaches in higher education.

UM is pleased to welcome Dr. Ragoonaden to this new leadership role where her academic vision and dedication to Indigenous initiatives will benefit and inspire faculty and students.

Dr. Brian Mark
Dean, Faculty of Science

Dr. Brian Mark has been named dean of the Faculty of Science, effective July 1, 2021. He will also continue to hold an appointment as professor in the Department of Microbiology.

Dr. Mark has served as associate dean, research in the faculty since 2018. A passionate educator and internationally recognized researcher, Dr. Mark has mentored more than 50 graduate and undergraduate students and published nearly 60 papers on infectious disease research and human genetic disorders. National agencies have supported his research with more than $18 million in funding.

Dr. Mark has served as acting chair and a Research Advisory Committee member for Research Manitoba and on the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Microbiology. He is dedicated to research excellence, creating strong partnerships with industry, experiential learning for students, and Indigenous achievement.

UM welcomes Dr. Mark to this new leadership role where he brings his commitment to innovation, collaboration and research advancement.

Mira (Mimi) Locher
Dean, Faculty of Architecture

Mira (Mimi) Locher, an acclaimed educator, collaborator and multidisciplinary researcher, has been appointed as dean of the Faculty of Architecture, effective July 1, 2021. She will also hold an appointment as associate professor, architecture.

Ms. Locher comes to the University of Manitoba after serving as associate professor and chair, School of Architecture, University of Utah, where she led significant accreditation, program and curriculum initiatives. She is an award-winning educator with a strong research profile including four books and world-wide design project contributions.

A leading English-language expert on Japanese architecture and gardens, Ms. Locher’s work also focuses on community engagement through architectural design. Ms. Locher was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in 2014 and is a principal architect with Kajika Architecture in Japan and the U.S.

The University of Manitoba looks forward to Ms. Locher bringing her expertise and commitment to collaborative leadership, student experience, Indigenous achievement and research excellence to this role.

Dr. Richard Jochelson
Dean, Faculty of Law

Dr. Richard Jochelson has been named dean of the Faculty of Law, effective July 1, 2021. He will continue in his role as professor in the faculty.

An insightful collaborator and interdisciplinary researcher, Dr. Jochelson is a champion of social justice and criminal law education. He has a strong record of scholarly publications including 15 co-authored books and edited collections, numerous articles and book chapters. Dr. Jochelson is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Manitoba Law Journal’s Criminal Law Edition and a founding member of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Justice Research.

Dr. Jochelson is committed to an outstanding student experience and program excellence. He received a Student Teacher Recognition Award and UM’s Stanton Teaching Award for his commitment to innovative teaching.

UM is pleased to have Dr. Jochelson bring his vision for student success, social justice, Indigenous achievement and equity, diversity and inclusion, to this new role.