Dr. Colleen Barber
Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Colleen Barber, Professor in the Department of Biology, to the position of Associate Dean – Student Affairs, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) effective September 1, 2018. Dr. Barber will take over from Dr. Diane Crocker, Department of Criminology, who successfully completes her 5-year term on August 31.
Dr. Barber joined Saint Mary’s University as an Assistant Professor of Biology in 1999 and brings close to 20 years of academic experience and leadership to her new role. In addition to her passion for science, research, and teaching, Dr. Barber has a strong history of student mentorship, having advised and supervised more than 75 students at Saint Mary’s.
Dr. Barber also has excellent administrative experience, most notably from her six-year tenure as Coordinator for the Forensic Sciences program, where her responsibilities included hiring instructors, admitting and mentoring students, developing curriculum and serving on the Science Curriculum and Executive committees.
Continuing on the foundation prepared by Dr. Crocker as FGSR’s inaugural Associate Dean, Dr. Barber will be the FGSR lead on all student-related issues. She will continue to work closely with FGSR’s Graduate Studies Officer and all of the Graduate Program Coordinators to support a positive learning environment for graduate students, and provide avenues for mentorship, professional development, and problem resolution.