Below is a message from Dr. Anna Kindler, Vice Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs and Resources, announcing the appointment of a new Senior Advisor, Teaching and Learning, and Academic Director, CTLT. You can read the pdf version here.
May 9, 2012
To: VPs, Deans, Principals, HEADS-UP
From: Anna Kindler, Vice Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs and Resources
Re: Appointment of Senior Advisor, Teaching and Learning, and Academic Director, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT)
It is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Simon Bates as Senior Advisor, Teaching and Learning, and Academic Director of the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) at UBC Vancouver, effective July 9th, 2012. Dr. Bates will also hold an appointment of Professor of Teaching in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science.
Dr. Bates completed his Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge and PhD at the University of Manchester. He is currently professor of Physics at the University of Edinburgh and Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College of Science and Engineering. His promotion to the professional rank was the first appointment made at the College on the basis of scholarship of teaching and learning and strategic leadership in teaching. Dr. Bates also leads a Physics Education Research Group within the School of Physics and Astronomy. He is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching and Edinburgh Student Association Award for Innovative Teaching. His scholarly work has focused on research-informed science education; understanding of the influence of gender on the academic achievement; use of technology in educational innovation; student academic transitions; and design and use of diagnostic tests to improve student learning.
In his role as Senior Advisor, Teaching and Learning, and Academic Director CTLT, Dr. Bates will provide the academic leadership of CTLT, supporting collaboration and work towards greater synergy among teaching and learning initiatives distributed across UBC Vancouver. He will contribute to the development of effective means of communication of best practice and to implementation of evidence-based and research-informed approaches to teaching and learning at UBC Vancouver. Working in close partnership with Dr. Michelle Lamberson, Managing Director of CTLT, Dr. Bates will play a key role in continuing the transformation of the Centre towards a dynamic educational support unit, combining high quality consultancy to Faculties and Departments with professional development programs for individual colleagues. Dr. Bates will have the responsibility for the Institute for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISoTL), ensuring the alignment of the Institute with other Centre activities. He will act as a lead resource to Faculties, Schools, and Departments in the Centre’s consultancy function and provide academic leadership to CTLT’s dedicated team of staff. Dr. Bates will Chair and serve on university-wide committees concerned with the advancement of teaching and learning and will lead initiatives in support of these efforts.
Dr. Bates will take over the academic leadership of the Centre from Dr. Harry Hubball, who has served as Senior Advisor Teaching and Learning and Academic Director of CTLT pro tem over the past two years. Dr. Hubball has provided exemplary leadership during the important period of transition following the merger of the former Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth, the Office of Learning Technology, and the ISoTL; his contribution has been instrumental in developing firm foundations for the new Centre.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Harry Hubball for his outstanding service to the university and in welcoming Dr. Simon Bates to UBC.
