New leadership for Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty

A cultural studies researcher from a top-ranked Canadian university has joined The University of Queensland this week as the new Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Executive Dean.

Professor Heather Zwicker joins UQ after a 25 year career at the University of Alberta, where she last held the position of Vice-Provost and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

She also served as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the Faculty of Arts, and Associate Chair - Graduate for the Department of English and Film Studies, where she led several high-quality and diverse teaching, research and student experience programs.

“The humanities sit at the core of the university, making a study of the concepts others take for granted,” Professor Zwicker said.

“To ponder, challenge and critique – and to find inventive ways of expressing important ideas – is fundamental to the academic venture as a whole.”

Professor Zwicker, whose specialty research areas include postcolonial and feminist theories, said she looked forward to working with the faculty, staff and students in HASS.

“UQ has always been a leader in my discipline, and I’m looking forward to supporting the excellent work done across the humanities and social sciences,” she said.

“HASS embodies the academic values at the heart of the ‘one UQ’ ethos.

“We have a lot to offer our students, our stakeholders, and each other – and, happily, we still have things to learn.

“I’m particularly enthusiastic about building collaborations and partnerships that link HASS with the world.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor and former HASS Executive Dean Professor Tim Dunne said Professor Zwicker’s credentials would provide outstanding leadership for the Faculty.

“Professor Zwicker is a renowned academic leader who brings a wealth of expertise to her new role as Executive Dean,” he said.

“I am confident the Faculty will respond well to the creativity and direction that she will bring.”

Professor Zwicker takes over from Acting Executive Dean Professor Julie Duck, who has returned to her role as HASS Associate Dean (Academic).

Media: Professor Zwicker (E) h.zwicker@uq.edu.au, Kristen Johnston (HASS Communications) k.johnston@uq.edu.au  (T) 3346 1633.