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News Release

January 06, 2006

Dean of New College Named

Prof. Chris McKenna, associate vice-president (research), has been appointed interim dean of the new College of Management and Economics (CME). His three-year term begins immediately, and the new college will officially open May 2006.

“The new college is an amalgamation of existing programs, but it’s also a new beginning as we look to enhance and expand our courses and offerings. I look forward to playing a part in the process,” said McKenna, former chair of the Department of Economics.

McKenna’s appointment was announced today by Prof. Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic). She is overseeing the University’s integrated planning process, which included the organizational initiative of creating the new college.

“I am pleased that Chris has agreed to take on this new challenge,” Mancuso said. “He will provide both a fresh perspective and a balance of continuity during the transition period and establishment of CME.”

McKenna was seconded in November 2004 to lead exploratory discussions with deans, chairs and others to help determine if a new college will give the University a better framework to advance teaching and research programs in management and business-related programs.

The new college was approved by the University Senate Dec. 19 following lengthy discussions and detailed reviews. “The process was thorough and as consultative as possible,” Mancuso said, adding the University followed procedures established when it created CSAHS in May 1998, which also amalgamated existing programs.

CME will include the Department of Economics, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, as well as some continued contributions from the departments of Agricultural Economics and Business, Psychology and Political Science.

President Alastair Summerlee said the new college will build on Guelph’s values and core mission, as well as emphasizing its strengths in management and leadership. “It will provide much needed visibility for our programs and serve as a vehicle for continued innovation in teaching, research and outreach.”

Student interest in U of G's management and business-related programs has risen dramatically over the last few years. In the bachelor of commerce program, for example, enrolment has increased by 88 per cent in the past several years and graduate enrolment has increased substantially, with new executive management and leadership programs now among the largest on campus.

McKenna, a Guelph faculty member since 1989, earned his B.Sc. from England’s University of Salford and a D.Phil. from the University of York.

Before joining U of G, he was a lecturer in economics at University College in Cardiff and the Cardiff Business School and has been a visiting professor at the University of British Columbia and the Australian National University. At Guelph, he has been a faculty representative on Board of Governors and was a member of the board’s Finance Committee. He also chaired the Senate Committee on University Planning.

Prof. Anthony Clarke, who assumed McKenna’s responsibilities during his secondment, will continue as acting associate vice-president (research and international relations) until July. A formal search process to permanently fill the position will be initiated shortly.