Leadership transition in the Peter A. Allard School of Law

After five years of outstanding service as Dean of the Peter A. Allard School of Law, Professor Catherine Dauvergne is stepping down from her role to join Simon Fraser University as their Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

Professor Dauvergne’s achievements have been numerous during her term as Dean. She has implemented an experiential learning curriculum, developed a post-graduation debt-relief pilot program — the first of its kind among law schools in western Canada — and led the implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action within the school.

Since joining UBC in 2002, Professor Dauvergne also served as the Special Advisor to the President from 2009 to 2011, where she was co-director of the international strategic planning group, led a province-wide working group on university finance, and worked on diverse projects ranging from university sport to academic planning for the UBC farm.

Professor Dauvergne will remain in her current position until July 31, and will take up her new role on November 23, 2020. The search for a new Dean will begin shortly.

I am grateful to Janine Benedet, who has agreed to serve as Dean Pro Tem, until a new Dean is appointed.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my personal thanks to Professor Dauvergne for her many contributions to the university. While I’m sad she will be leaving us, I believe her move is good news for British Columbia’s post-secondary education system. I look forward to continuing to work with Professor Dauvergne in her new capacity. Please join me in wishing her every success in her new role.

Andrew Szeri
Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver