Richard Sigurdson named new dean University of Calgary Faculty of Arts
Sigurdson replaces Kevin McQuillan
Richard Sigurdson
Richard Sigurdson has been named by the University of Calgary as the dean for the Faculty of Arts. His new job will start August 1.
Sigurdson is currently Duff Roblin Professor of Government and professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba. From 2004 – 2011, he was dean, Faculty of Arts and from 2005 – 2011, he was acting provost, University College, University of Manitoba.
He sits on the editorial advisory board of the Canadian Political Science Review, and was recently a visiting research professor at the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies, Free University, Berlin.
“Sigurdson is an exceptionally strong academic administrator and accomplished scholar, and I am excited about the contribution he will make to our university,” says University of Calgary Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dru Marshall.
“His deep understanding of the role of dean, inclusive and dynamic management style, and the breadth and depth of his experience across a range of arts disciplines is a perfect fit to lead our large and complex Faculty of Arts.”
Sigurdson says he is looking forward to facilitating greater engagement with the Calgary community as part of his appointment.
“I am honoured to be joining such a dynamic institution as the University of Calgary, and my family and I are delighted to be moving to the most exciting city in Canada,” says Sigurdson. “I am particularly inspired by the vision articulated in the Eyes High strategy, and look forward to helping the recently-created Faculty of Arts become a national leader in research and teaching.”
Sigurdson served as chair of philosophy, history and politics and acting dean of arts at Thompson Rivers University, then as professor and chair, Political Science at the University of New Brunswick from 1999.
Sigurdson earned his BA and MA from the University of Manitoba and his PhD from the University of Toronto.
Sigurdson moved back to Manitoba in 2004, taking on the position of dean, Faculty of Arts. The move coincided with the publication of Sigurdson’s book Jacob Burckhardt’s Social and Political Thought (University of Toronto Press, 2004). In addition, he has written dozens of peer-reviewed papers and parts of books.
In her press release, Marshall thanked the advisory selection committee for their diligent efforts during the search and selection process. She also thanked Kevin McQuillan, the outgoing dean of the Faculty of Arts, for his dedication and excellent work since 2010 in leading the process of merging four faculties into one larger Faculty of Arts.
“He has done a terrific job leading the challenging process of merging four faculties into one larger Faculty of Arts, and we are grateful to him for his dedication and excellent work”, says Dru Marshall.
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