April 16, 2020

Ellen Perrault named dean, Faculty of Social Work

A message from Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dru Marshall
Dr. Ellen Perrault
Dr Ellen Perrault David Kotsibie

I am pleased to announce that following a comprehensive search, Dr. Ellen Perrault has been appointed dean, Faculty of Social Work, effective July 1, 2020. Dr. Perrault is currently vice-dean in the Faculty of Social Work where she has demonstrated her ability to combine compassion and strength as a social worker with academic leadership and commitment to students, faculty, staff and our community.

Dr. Perrault joined UCalgary as a sessional instructor in 2002, prior to which she worked for over two decades in the human services sector, conducting research and consulting with various community organizations. In 2008, she became a full-time instructor and assumed her first administrative role in the faculty as co-ordinator, Office of Field Education. Dr. Perrault became a tenured professor in 2016.

At UCalgary, her research has been focused in the area of organizational level practice, examining how people work together successfully during intra- and inter-organizational collaboration. She is also active in the scholarship of teaching and learning, offering expertise to improve the learning experience of higher education students, through exploration of exceptional curriculum delivery, experiential learning opportunities, and innovative teaching initiatives.  

As vice-dean, Dr. Perrault has supported the Faculty of Social Work’s commitment to research to create positive change in communities, and to creating a dynamic learning environment that challenges students to become critical thinkers and skilled professionals. She also previously served as the associate dean (teaching and learning) for the Faculty of Social Work and was seconded to the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning as their senior director in 2018.  Dr. Perrault continues to be a registered social worker in Alberta.

Dr. Perrault has received numerous awards and achievements including most recently the University of Calgary U Make a Difference Award, Collaboration and Communication category and the University of Calgary Award for Educational Leadership. She is also a proud alumna of UCalgary where she earned her BSW, MSW and PhD, following the completion of two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Alberta.

As Canada’s largest school of social work, the Faculty of Social Work is ranked among the top 15 research-intensive social work schools in North America in terms of research productivity. With a range of undergraduate and graduate programs delivered across the province and beyond through nationally accredited in person, online, and blended learning programs and community-based learning circles, Dr. Perrault is exceptionally well-positioned to lead the outstanding team and propel the faculty forward to global recognition.

I would like to thank the other members of the Decanal Search Committee for their exceptional work and contribution to this process. They are:

Susan Samuel (vice-president research designate), Ian Holloway (decanal representative), Jessica Ayala, Peter Gabor, Regine King and Anne-Marie McLauglin (tenured academic staff representatives), Francine Smith (TUCFA representative), Theresa Eng (MaPS representative), Maria Fernandez (AUPE representative), Marie Beaupré-Olsen (SU representative), Martine Dennie (GSA representative), Tara Beattie and David Hodgins (GFC representatives) and Tanya McLeod (community representative).

Please join me in congratulating Ellen on her appointment.   

Dru Marshall
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)