In This Issue
U of G Appoints VP (Research)
Internationally recognized researcher, innovative teacher brings experience in industry, government
BY LORI BONA HUNT
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| Kevin Hall |
Kevin Hall, head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Queen's University, has been appointed U of G's new vice- president (research), effective Jan. 1.
President Alastair Summerlee, who chaired the search committee, says Hall is “both an internationally recognized researcher and an innovative, visionary teacher. He also has broad experience in industry and government, which will greatly assist us as we strive to expand our research potential. We're at an important crossroads in the history of the University, and Kevin possesses an ideal combination of experience in research and teaching to move us forward.”
At Queen's, Hall also directs the Centre for Water and the Environment and chairs the advisory board of the Institute for Population and Public Health.
Summerlee says Hall's research focus is aligned with Guelph's strategic priorities around internationalism, humanitarianism and environmental sustainability. He also shares U of G's multidisciplinary approach to research and learning, says the president.
“Kevin has infectious enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and a commitment to collegiality and collaboration. He will make an outstanding addition to the University, and we are delighted that he is joining our team. I have no doubt that, with Kevin's leadership, we are now in a position to advance research and innovation even further.”
A graduate of Queen's and the University of New South Wales, Hall joined the faculty of Queen's in 1987 and has headed its civil engineering program since 2005. He recently developed an undergraduate and graduate program in humanitarian engineering. His research has been incorporated into engineering design manuals both nationally and internationally.
A lifelong innovator, he is an international consultant in coastal and river engineering, environmental hydraulics and water resources. He helped found companies that provide water-borne bacteria-detection technologies and large-scale geothermal energy solutions for new and existing developments.
Hall says he's “honoured' to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated and innovative faculty and staff at U of G. He has collaborated with Guelph researchers in the past and says he's always been amazed at the support received from the University.
“The University of Guelph has the potential to be research-intensive in areas that can make a huge impact on the social fabric of this world. The University's dedication to pursuing and facilitating research that can improve the quality of life for all sectors of the world's population, particularly marginalized communities, was a major factor in my decision to join U of G.”
Hall says he's also “thrilled at the opportunity to facilitate research that will cross the traditional boundaries between science and the humanities.” This will offer many experiential learning opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students, he says.
Summerlee thanks members of the search committee, which included deans, faculty, students and staff, for their hard work and commitment, and the University community for its active participation.
“We had a very strong slate of international, highly skilled and very different candidates, and it generated a great deal of interest on campus,” he says. “I'd like to thank members of the internal and external communities who provided strong feedback on the two final candidates. It helped us enormously in our decision-making.”