Royal Roads names new faculties, deans to enhance student experience
Royal Roads University is refining its academic structure to better support students, faculty and researchers, advancing its commitment to applied, interdisciplinary education that prepares students to lead change in their communities and beyond.
As part of this transformation, RRU is establishing three new faculties:
- Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Faculty of Professional and Continuing Studies
To further strengthen collaborative learning and research, the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies will be home to three thematically organized schools:
- School of Climate and Environment
- School of Culture and Society
- School of Leadership and Management
“These changes are the result of extensive collaboration with our faculty, staff and students to reimagine the academy and create new opportunities across disciplines and levels of study,” says Philip Steenkamp, president and vice-chancellor of RRU.
“As Canada’s University for Changemakers, we are responding to the urgent demand for skilled professionals in critical areas such as climate action, leadership, social justice, and sustainability, ensuring our graduates continue to be at the forefront of driving change when the world needs it most,” adds Steenkamp.
“This new structure aligns with our Academic Strategic Plan and strengthens our ability to support student success, enrich learning outcomes, and promote meaningful research,” says Veronica Thompson, provost and vice-president academic. “By fostering deeper integration and innovation across disciplines, we are creating more opportunities for collaboration between faculty and students that will have a lasting real-world impact.”
Jo Axe named inaugural Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Axe will provide administrative leadership and support for graduate studies and research, including promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring support structures are in place for graduate studies and research university wide. Her work will celebrate the importance and value of faculty and student research.
Axe holds a PhD from the University of Bradford, UK. She has held many roles since joining RRU in 2000. In addition to her teaching roles, she served as the associate dean, academic and student affairs, for the Faculty of Management from 2008-2012 and was the founding director of the School of Education and Technology. She's also served as program head of the Master of Arts in Learning and Technology and the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Axe's academic research focuses on trauma-informed transitions, learning community development and supportive employment programs for vulnerable youth.
Robert Mittelman named inaugural Dean, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies
Mittelman will lead academic excellence and continuous improvement in existing programming, new program development and research with a strong focus on academic quality, excellent teaching, innovative curricula, exemplary applied research, and a commitment to the University’s Learning, Teaching and Research Model.
Mittelman holds a PhD in Management from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. His work at RRU began in 2014 when he joined the School of Business as an assistant professor. Since that time, he has taken on numerous leadership roles, including interim dean of the Faculty of Management, director of the School of Business, program head for the Master of Business Administration in Executive Management, and program head for the Bachelor of Business Administration in Innovation & Sustainability.
Mittelman serves as an Ashoka U change champion and is leading innovation projects at RRU’s brand new Langford Campus. His research areas explore social entrepreneurship, corporate social innovation and non-profit marketing.