I am excited to announce that Dr. Patrice Esson has accepted the role of Associate Dean, Department of English, effective August 2.

Patrice has more than 20 years of experience working in interdisciplinary and polytechnic post-secondary environments both in Canada and the United States. She brings to the role diverse professional experiences and passions for post-secondary education and leadership, and she is a forward-thinking, empathetic leader who is dedicated to supporting the creation and augmentation of engaging, supportive, and barrier-free learning experiences that facilitate student success. Patrice’s interdisciplinary approach to education has created many opportunities for her to engage with colleagues in the field of writing, communications, and ESOL, which have led to innovative pedagogical strategies, multiple grant-sponsored applied research projects, and EDI-focused workshops.

Patrice joins us from Sheridan College where she has served as both a faculty member and academic administrator. As a faculty member, Patrice was active in the visioning, development, and implementation of new programs and was the successful recipient of multiple applied research grants. While serving in academic and administrative leadership capacities as Associate Director of International Services and Interim Associate Dean in the Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design, Patrice facilitated the achievement of strategic goals and developed and implemented pan-institutional initiatives, including Sheridan’s COVID readiness plan to support international students, hosting community conversations and workshops surrounding EDI and pedagogy, and being a founding member of Sheridan’s Advisory Council. 

Patrice is the recipient of several awards recognizing her achievements and impact in the following areas: teaching and learning, creativity and innovation, Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous partnerships, and student-engaged applied and community research. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Virginia Tech, as well as a graduate certificate in Post-Secondary Pedagogy. 

Please join me in welcoming Patrice to Humber.

John Stilla
Senior Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences