Meet the Dean

Dean Barbara Crow

Dr. Barbara Crow was appointed Dean of Arts and Science at Queen’s University in July 2017 after leaving her position as Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate Vice-President, Graduate at York University. In March 2022, she was reappointed for second term. 

As the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, Barbara is responsible for the overall operations of the Faculty, including developing and supporting the Faculty’s long- and short-term goals, policies, fundraising efforts, strategic initiatives, and academic priorities.

In her current role as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, (FAS) she is responsible for the overall operations of the Faculty of Arts and Science, including developing and supporting the Faculty’s long- and short-term goals, policies, fundraising efforts, strategic initiatives, and academic priorities.

To that end, Dr. Crow led the development and launch of the first-ever Strategic Plan for the Faculty of Arts and Science in its 130-year history. It was the result of numerous consultations with students, staff, and faculty in our 30+ academic units, as well as the Dean’s Council, alumni, and members of our broader community. This year, we marked the execution of 94 per cent of our planned 50 strategic initiatives, as 47 of 50 initiatives have been executed.

A new Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB) was announced by Barbara and the Faculty’s Advancement Team in 2023. The Board’s three Advisory Committees will enhance the Faculty’s strategic goals and initiatives: research and sustainability; global impact and innovation; and community and wellness. 

Barbara continues to focus the Faculty on I-EDIAA in all aspects of its work, supporting many initiatives as detailed in this year’s Annual Review, including the funding of 39 projects with various initiatives through the FAS EDII Fund.  

In addition, Black Liberation Commons, a new space located in Robert Sutherland Hall designed for Black students, opened its doors in February 2024. Amaiya Walters, Arts and Science Undergraduate Society President and founder and co-organizer of Queen’s Black Clubs Caucus, was the driving force behind the opening along with Vanessa Thompson, Distinguished Professor in Black Studies and Social Justice, and Anita Ragunathan. The space was made possible by the full support of the Dean, the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the Departments of Black Studies and Gender Studies. 

In 2023, Barbara was honoured with the Angela Hilyard Influential Leader Recognition Award from the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada. The award recognizes an influential leader who has continually demonstrated innovative and impactful leadership in advancing the mission of, and achieving outstanding contributions to, their institution and/or to higher education.

Prior to coming to Queen’s, Barbara obtained her B.A. (Honours) in Political Science and Women’s Studies and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology. She joined York University’s faculty in 2001, eventually serving as the Associate Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies until May 31st, 2017.  Prior to that appointment, Barbara held the positions of Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and Director of the Graduate Program in Communication and Culture. She has also chaired the provincial Ontario Graduate Studies Deans, the Council of Ontario Deans as part of the Council of Ontario Universities and the Women and Gender Studies and Recherches Feministes Assocation.