The Faculty of Graduate Studies welcomes a new Associate Dean
The Faculty of Graduate Studies is excited to announce that Dr. Sandra Webber was appointed as Associate Dean, Health Sciences, in December of 2024. Dr. Webber, a distinguished physiotherapist and educator, also serves as Associate Dean, Academic, in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences—bringing a deep and multifaceted perspective to her new role supporting graduate education across the university.
Dr. Webber is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy within the College of Rehabilitation Sciences alongside her ongoing role as Associate Dean, Academic in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. through the Individual Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) program at UM in 2010, followed by an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. In 2011, Dr. Webber received the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Top New Investigator Establishment Award and in 2022 she won the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Silver Quill Award for original research.
Dr. Webber’s research focuses on promoting mobility, physical activity, and exercise to support health, participation, and performance in older adults and individuals with chronic conditions. She has received funding as a principal investigator and co-investigator from numerous national and provincial organizations, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Frailty Network, Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada, and Manitoba Lung Association. She has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles.
In 2024, Dr. Webber was honoured with the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association’s Susan A. Macdonald Award—its highest distinction—for her outstanding contributions, commitment to excellence, and inspirational leadership in the profession.
Dr. Webber has supported graduate education through administrative contributions to the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. She chaired the M.Sc. Rehabilitation Sciences thesis-based program for 3 years and was the Director of the Applied Health Sciences PhD program for 2023 and 2024. She has been a member of FGS’ Faculty Council since 2020 and served on the FGS Academic Appeals committee from 2019-2024.
Dr. Webber’s appointment as Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies reflects her exceptional leadership and continued dedication to graduate education at the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment: “Since joining FGS, Dr. Webber has brought her insight, professionalism, and deep commitment to our students and programs. Her collaborative approach and wealth of experience have already made a meaningful impact, and we’re excited to continue working with her as we support the growth and excellence of graduate education at the University of Manitoba.”