Queen’s University is pleased to announce that Rebecca Luce-Kapler has accepted re-appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Education for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2020. The offer of appointment from Principal Daniel Woolf was in response to a unanimous and enthusiastic recommendation from the Principal’s Advisory Committee, chaired by Interim Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Tom Harris.

Dr. Luce-Kapler has served as Dean of the Faculty of Education since July 1, 2015, and brings over thirty years of experience in education to her position.

“Throughout her tenure as Dean, Dr. Luce-Kapler has focused on building a collaborative and inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty in the Faculty of Education can thrive,” says Tom Harris, Interim Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “She has also strengthened teaching, learning, and research by expanding the faculty complement and enhancing graduate studies.”

Since taking on the role of Dean, Dr. Luce-Kapler has worked to enhance the financial position of her portfolio, and the Faculty of Education’s expertise in revenue diversification is recognized across campus. She has also made measurable strides in developing strategic local, national, and international relationships, such as the partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Dr. Luce-Kapler received her doctorate from the University of Alberta in 1997 and came to Queen’s that same year as a language and literacy scholar. Prior to her appointment as Dean, Dr. Luce-Kapler served as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research in the Faculty of Education where she led several important initiatives, including the development and implementation of the online Professional Master of Education program. During her time at Queen’s, she has taught secondary English methods courses and developed writing courses for both B.Ed. and graduate students. She has also taught English as an elementary and secondary school teacher in Alberta, and holds a permanent teaching certificate from that province, in addition to being a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.

Her research interests focus on the integral role of literary practices, particularly writing, in the development of human consciousness and identity. This work has contributed to understanding the normative power of cultural forms and the importance of interpretive reading and writing practices for generative learning and teaching. She is the author of Writing with, through, and beyond the text: An ecology of language and The gardens where she dreams. She is also the co-author of Engaging Minds: Changing teaching in complex times and Language and learning: An introduction for teaching.

Visit the Faculty of Education website to learn more about Dr. Luce-Kapler.

The Principal joins the Provost in expressing the university’s gratitude to the following individuals who served on the Principal’s Advisory Committee. Their willingness to undertake this responsibility is very much appreciated.