U of G management and business-related programs to amalgamate in May
BY LORI BONA HUNT
Prof. Chris McKenna, associate vice-president (research and international relations), has been appointed interim dean of the new College of Management and Economics (CME). His three-year term begins immediately; the new college will officially open in May.
“The new college is an amalgamation of existing programs, but it's also a new beginning as we look to enhance and expand our courses and offerings,” says McKenna, a former chair of the Department of Economics. “I look forward to playing a part in the process.”
His appointment was announced last week by Prof. Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic). She is overseeing the University's integrated planning process, which included the organizational initiative of creating the new college.
“I am pleased that Chris has agreed to take on this new challenge,” says Mancuso. “He will provide both a fresh perspective and a balance of continuity during the transition period and establishment of CME.”
McKenna was seconded in November 2004 to lead exploratory discussions with deans, chairs and others to help determine if a new college will give U of G a better framework to advance teaching and research in management and business-related programs. The new college was approved by Senate Dec. 19 following a lengthy discussion and detailed review.
“The process was thorough and as consultative as possible,” says Mancuso, adding that the University followed procedures established when it created the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences in May 1998, a move that also amalgamated existing programs.
CME will include the Department of Economics, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, as well as some continued contributions from the departments of Agricultural Economics and Business, Psychology and Political Science.
President Alastair Summerlee says the new college will build on Guelph's values and core mission and emphasize its strengths in management and leadership.
“It will provide much-needed visibility for our programs and serve as a vehicle for continued innovation in teaching, research and outreach.”
Student interest in U of G's management and business-related programs has risen dramatically over the last few years. In the bachelor of commerce program, for example, enrolment has increased by 88 per cent and graduate enrolment has grown substantially, with new executive management and leadership programs now among the largest on campus.
McKenna, who joined U of G in 1989, earned his B.Sc. from England's University of Salford and a D.Phil. from the University of York.
He has been a faculty representative on Board of Governors and was a member of the board's Finance Committee. He also chaired the Senate Committee on University Planning.
Prof. Anthony Clarke, who assumed McKenna's responsibilities during his secondment, will continue as acting associate VP (research and international relations) until July. A formal search process to permanently fill the position will be launched shortly.
