Queen's University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane has announced the appointment of Kevin Kee as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, effective July 1, 2026. He will be a tenured professor jointly in the Department of History and School of Computing. His appointment follows a comprehensive search process chaired by Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans on behalf of the principal.

Dr. Kee joins Queen’s from the University of Ottawa, where he served as dean of the Faculty of Arts from 2015 to 2025 and as Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Strategy and Learning Innovation. He is a Queen’s alum having earned his PhD, MA, and BA in History from Queen’s.

“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Kee back to Queen’s as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “He is an accomplished academic leader with a strong record of advancing innovation, research excellence, and student success. His experience leading large and complex academic units, combined with his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and digital transformation, will serve the faculty and university well as we continue to realize our Bicentennial Vision.”

As dean at uOttawa, Dr. Kee led strategic planning and implementation for the university’s largest faculty by departments and workforce. During his tenure, the faculty increased research funding and awards, expanded lifelong learning and online programming while returning to balanced budgets. He also led the development of new interdisciplinary and revenue-generating academic initiatives and launched the Institute for Indigenous Research and Studies.

While supporting the university’s digital transformation, Dr. Kee led campus-wide consultation efforts and helped develop initiatives focused on teaching innovation, online learning, and knowledge mobilization. He also chaired the President’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health and Wellness, contributing to enhanced student wellbeing.

An internationally recognized scholar in digital humanities, Dr. Kee’s research explores the intersections of history, technology, simulations, and immersive learning. He has held a Canada Research Chair in Digital Humanities and has led numerous major research projects and collaborations supported by organizations including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. 

“It is an honour to return to Queen’s as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. The university played a formative role in shaping both my career and who I am,” says Dr. Kee. “What excites me most about the faculty is its breadth, bringing together the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. That creates a powerful opportunity to pursue fundamental knowledge and address some of the most important questions facing society. I look forward to working with the faculty’s exceptional scholars, students, staff, and partners to build on their strengths and advance excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. It will be a privilege to support the continuing impact of this community.”

Principal Deane and Provost Evans extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Bill Nelson for his service as Interim Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science since the end of March, as well as to the members of the Principal’s Advisory Committee for their dedication and commitment throughout the search process.