Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch has been named the new dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge. (Photo: University of Lethbridge)

By Sarah Jones

University of Lethbridge announces new dean for Faculty of Fine Arts

Apr 19, 2023 | 11:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) has welcomed an experienced theatre scholar as the new dean for the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch will officially begin her role on July 1, 2023, replacing interim dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Shelley Scott.

Davis-Fisch comes into the role with an undergraduate degree in theatre studies and history from Dalhousie University, along with a PhD in literary and theatre studies, as well as her MA in drama from the University of Guelph.

She was the founding director of the School of Creative Arts at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), and prior to that, was head of the theatre department and chair of UFV’s Bachelor of Media Arts program.

Davis-Fisch said, “I am delighted to be joining the University of Lethbridge to lead its Faculty of Fine Arts as the new dean and am excited about the opportunity to advocate for and champion the creative and scholarly accomplishments of its students, faculty and staff.”

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Her scholarly work has appeared in Theatre Research in Canada, Performing Arts Resources, Cultural Studies/Critical Methodologies and Canadian Theatre Review, as well as several edited collections.

Davis-Fisch’s research interests include historiography and Indigenous and intercultural performance, particularly in historical paradigms.

Her current SSHRC-funded research project investigates the role of performances in the establishment of settler-colonialism in nineteenth-century Canada and how performance documents and objects can be re-integrated into galleries, archives and museums.

Dr. Erasmus Okine, U of L provost and vice-president (academic) said, “Dr. Davis-Fisch has shown at every stage of her career that she is a leader who forges ahead and sets new standards, whether it be as a professor, researcher or administrator.”

Okine went on, “The Faculty of Fine Arts plays such a crucial role in developing and supporting the rich artistic culture we enjoy here in southern Alberta and beyond, and I see her addition as a major boost to the outstanding activities led by our faculty and staff.”

This announcement is one of four new dean appointments that will be filled this year.

Read more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com