Dr. Gavan Watson (he/him) started his term as the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning at Queen’s University in April 2023. Dr. Watson oversees the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the Queen’s University Quality Assurance Processes (QUQAP), and the university’s academic integrity policies and practices. As a member of the Provost’s Office senior team, Dr. Watson leads senior committees and projects that advance the priorities of the portfolio, working with faculty and staff across academic units and institutions to improve the quality of student learning. The Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) also works to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenization in all aspects of teaching and program development to enhance the student learning experience.
With research published in peer-reviewed journals like New Directions for Teaching and Learning, as well as articles in publications like EDUCAUSE review, Dr. Watson works to blend scholarly expertise and classroom practice. His research interests are focused on teaching and learning, particularly on topics related to the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and educational technology. Dr. Watson has also published at the intersection of education and the environment, specifically on how educational practices inform our experiences with animals and the natural world. A recognized leader in the field of teaching and learning in higher education, Gavan has been invited to speak on topics ranging from Open Badges to Facilitating Student Assessment with Technology across Canada and the United States.
Dr. Watson holds a PhD in Environmental Education, a Master in Environmental Studies from York University, and an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Social Relations from the University of Guelph.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Watson was the Associate Vice President (Academic), Teaching and Learning and the Director, Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. In this role he provided leadership to the group supporting instructional design, educational development, online course delivery, student academic success, and classroom technology across the multi-campus institution.
Dr. Watson also served the Associate Director, eLearning, Centre for Teaching and Learning at Western University where he supported the work of academic units engaged in the university’s Institutional Quality Assurance Process and led the university’s blended learning strategy to facilitate pedagogical innovation in the delivery of undergraduate curriculum. As an Educational Developer at the University of Guelph, he collaborated with educators and learners to enhance the quality of teaching and learning and facilitate faculty-driven curricular renewal processes. He served as the secretary to the board of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and as a member of the Council of Ontario Educational Developers' executive.
Contact Dr. Gavan Watson, Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning