McGill appoints new Dean of Continuing Education

Principal Heather Munroe-Blum and I are delighted to announce that the Board of Governors, at its April 7, 2008 meeting, approved the appointment of Dr. Judith Potter, Dean of Continuing Education, for a five-year term, renewable, starting August 1, 2008 and ending July 31, 2013.

Holder of a B.Sc (Honours) from the University of Toronto, Masters in Adult Education from Saint Francis Xavier University and a Doctorate in Adult Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, Judith Potter is currently the Executive Director at the University of New Brunswick’s College of Extended Learning. Having served as its founding Executive Director, Dr.. Potter was instrumental in developing the College into a lifelong learning academic and entrepreneurial enterprise that is responsible for both credit and non-credit programs that serve the academic mission of the University as well as its community outreach objectives. During her two-term tenure, an Integrated Studies degree was launched at UNB, which became an innovative model for other University continuing education programs in Canada.

In addition to her success at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Potter has demonstrated her commitment to and leadership in the field for over twenty years. She has played an active role within the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education, serving as it President as well as providing guidance and support to many of it committees. Additionally, she was a pioneer in establishing the Adult Learning Knowledge Center as part of the Canada Council on Learning and has served as Chair of Campus Canada.

Her research interests focus on the policies and practices of Continuing Education in Canadian Universities as well as the innovative strategies to facilitate adult learners. Dr. Potter has published in academic and professional journals and has presented papers on Continuing Education issues nationally.

The advisory process for the selection of a Dean of Continuing Education has been a thorough and thoughtful one. Many outstanding candidates were considered. The committee was impressed by Dr. Potter’s commitment to the student experience, her understanding of the multi-faceted role of University’s continuing education and her broad Canadian perspective of the field. Dr. Judith Potter was recommended by the committee because of her effectiveness and leadership in academic, administrative, university as well as professional matters.

On behalf of Principal Heather Munroe-Blum and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Dr. Glenn Cartwright who has served as interim Dean of the Centre for Continuing Education since 1st June 2006. I am extremely gratefully to Dr. Cartwright for his dedicated service to both our students and McGill, please join us in wishing him continued success.

I am sure that you join me in welcoming Dr. Potter and wishing her well.

Sincerely,

Prof Anthony C. Masi
Provost