Dina Brooks appointed Acting Executive Vice-Dean, Associate Vice-President, Academic

Dina Brooks has been appointed acting executive vice-dean, associate vice-president, Academic for the Faculty of Health Sciences effective July 1, 2023.

Brooks is currently vice-dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and executive director of the School of Rehabilitation Science, and she will maintain this position for the interim. In this role, she has guided cultural change, fostered a collaborative environment and led a successful strategic plan that included effective fundraising efforts. Additionally, she has championed diversity and inclusion efforts, such as a new Black Equity stream, resulting in a more inclusive and equitable environment for students, staff, and faculty.

“I am looking forward to working with Dr. Brooks as she takes on this important Faculty leadership role and brings her valuable expertise and experience,” said Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Brooks is an established researcher recognized internationally as a leader in cardiorespiratory rehabilitation. She has held a Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She presently holds the National Sanitarium Association Chair in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research.

Brooks has received many accolades, including the Enid Graham Award, the highest honour in Canadian physiotherapy that recognizes outstanding leadership and distinguished contributions to the profession. She has also received a Queen’s Jubilee Medal for the impact of her research on the lives of individuals with lung disease, a Fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, for her international leadership, academic performance, and scientific creativity, and an honorary degree from the University of Ottawa, for her international leadership in cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.

Dr. Brooks completed her PhD (‘97), MSc (‘90) and BSc (‘88) at the University of Toronto.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to drive forward the Faculty’s academic priorities and to work closely with Dr. O’Byrne and other senior leaders in this leadership role,” said Brooks.

The executive vice-dean and associate vice-president, Academic is the primary senior academic administrator who works in tandem with the Faculty’s dean and vice-president to manage the Faculty’s academic and operational functions, including collaborating with senior leaders to ensure congruence among the educational, research, and health service programs. The executive vice-dean and associate vice-president, Academic works in close collaboration with the provost and vice-president (Academic), vice provosts, Faculty deans, and other senior leaders across the University, as well as the associate vice-president Global Health, vice-deans and associate deans within the Faculty of Health Sciences.