Dean, Faculty of Arts

Dr. Aoife Mac Namara, PhD

The dean leads the students, faculty and staff of the Faculty of Arts. 

Through university-wide and community engagement, the dean manages priorities that contribute to the vision of the faculty, encourages research, champions the student experience and fosters a culture of excellence. The dean also manages policies and sustains an effective budget. The dean leads equity, diversity and inclusion in the faculty.

  • Leads in the communication and implementation of the vision, priorities and strategic planning of the arts faculty.
  • Engages faculty members and staff to choose initiatives and manages priorities that align with the vision of the faculty and the university as a whole.
  • Fosters and encourages a high level of research productivity within the faculty and across faculties by further enhancing and developing excellent research infrastructure and supporting faculty efforts to obtain and maintain research funding.
  • Oversees the implementation of frameworks, policies and initiatives that promote a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration that impacts all aspects of the faculty.
  • Develops and sustains an effective budget and organizational structure to ensure the faculty is financially sustainable, and that its educational offerings are of the highest quality. 
  • Leads and supports the conceptualization and implementation of innovative educational programs in line with the university’s overall planning objectives.
  • Communicates the vision to spur fund development and attracts resources from government, philanthropy, and other sources. Stewards these relationships and provides timely reporting and accountability to funders.
  • Nurtures a strong connection to community and demonstrates how this faculty and the university are concerned with addressing the challenges facing the people of Calgary, Alberta, and beyond.
  • Maintains a connectivity to and visibility with faculty, staff and students. Acts as a role model for students, staff and faculty alike.
  • Champions the student experience, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Creates a sense of unity for the faculty and a culture that is inclusive and engaging.
Portrait of Dean Aoife Mac Namara

Contact me

403.220.6151
aoife.macnamara@ucalgary.ca

Executive Assistant
Kate Rollestone
403.220.2692
kate.rollestone@ucalgary.ca


Committee service

The dean chairs or sits on the following committees:

Faculty of Arts strategies and plans

Strategic Plan 2024-29

Explore strategic plan

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Arts

Explore EDI

Research in Arts

Explore Arts research