BU’s new dean of arts describes himself as ‘a doer’

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This article was published 12/03/2024 (559 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The new dean in the faculty of arts at Brandon University says he is working at his dream job and is overjoyed to return to Manitoba.

Gregory Kennedy has only been on the job for a few days, having recently moved to the Wheat City from Moncton, N.B.

But he said there are already a few things he’d like to do to shine the light on BU.

“One thing I think we can do better is to tell our stories. I don’t know if people in Brandon and the surrounding area know all the great things that are being taught and researched and shared here in the arts faculty,” said Kennedy.

“University needs to be visible and dynamic in society, not just on campus. It’s one thing to open our doors and invite people in, but we need to go out as well. Some of that work is already being done here at the faculty of arts, but I think we can do more.”

While on the East Coast, Kennedy worked at the Université de Moncton, and for the last nine years was research director of the Institute of Acadian Studies within the university.

His father was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and at one time was stationed in Winnipeg. Kennedy graduated high school there and completed two honours, history and English literature, at the University of Winnipeg.

Kennedy attained his master of arts in history from the University of Western Ontario in London, and his PhD in history is from York University in Toronto.

“There’s certainly the personal appeal of being back in Manitoba,” Kennedy said.

“And I have family here as well. So, at this point in my career, I was ready for some new challenges.

“And I’m a doer. One of the things that truly brings me joy is to be able to support and provide mentorship to students and junior faculty.”

Kennedy’s first book won the Canadian Historical Association Clio Prize for the best new scholarly book on the history of Atlantic Canada.

His next publication investigated the volunteer Acadian soldiers of Canada’s First World War.

While his additional essays, articles and research make him an expert on historical topics in eastern Canada, Kennedy said he has found many similarities between Moncton and western Manitoba.

“They both share a kind of regional mandate,” Kennedy said. “Moncton, as a French language institution supporting the Acadian minority in Atlantic Canada. Brandon, here in western Manitoba, has some very specific goals — to make opportunities available to rural populations, to Indigenous, First Nations, and to other new Canadians.

“So those things very much appeal (to me) and there are lots of great things already being done. I’m just going to continue to support those things.”

The outgoing acting dean of arts, Balfour Spence, was in the position since August of 2021, said BU’s provost and vice-president (academic), Kofi Campbell.

“Dr. Spence was an excellent advocate for the faculty of arts, and a strong contributing member of the President’s Advisory Council and Deans’ Council, where he will be sorely missed,” Kofi stated in a news release.

“Dr. Kennedy has a transparent and consultative leadership style, is a strong and timely communicator, and is an efficient and engaged administrator who seeks to build a collaborative vision alongside those with whom he works.”

There are 14 departments and programs within BU’s faculty of arts, including anthropology, business administration, economics, gender and women’s studies, history, native studies, political science and rural development.

Kennedy said while his position will be mostly “middle management,” it will allow him to become a “bridge,” adding that he hopes to “teach a class from time to time and continue to do research to collaborate with folks.”

“That helps me have a realism and a credibility. When you become purely too high up on the hierarchy, you lose those opportunities,” he said.

“And Brandon University has a great new institutional strategic plan that outlines a number of key principles and values. So, we’re going to develop the plan that supports all of our programs and frankly, dream a little bit and not be afraid to be optimistic — to have a real vision for what we can accomplish, not just next year, but you know, 10 or 20 years in the future.”

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