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Dean appointed

Dr. Ian Sutherland appointed dean of School of Music

Teaching and Learning

By Laura Barron

The Search Committee for the Dean of the School of Music has completed its work and has recommended Dr. Ian Sutherland for the position.

President Gary Kachanoski has accepted the recommendation and the Board of Regents approved his appointment on April 6. Dr. Sutherland’s appointment as associate professor and dean is effective July 1, 2016.

Internationally recognized

Dr. Ian Sutherland comes to Memorial from his role as associate dean for research and director of PhD studies at IEDC–Bled School of Management in Slovenia. Born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, and internationally recognized as an expert in the intersection of the arts and business, Dr. Sutherland was originally trained as a professional musician.

“Building a career—and building a life—in music demands versatility and an intrepid approach.” — Dr. Noreen Golfman

He holds B.Mus.(Hons.) and M.Mus. degrees from Memorial and a PhD in sociology and philosophy from the University of Exeter (U.K.). He has an active international career as a researcher, educator and consultant, combining expertise in sociology, philosophy, creativity and leadership studies. He has delivered courses, workshops, seminars and lectures in more than 20 countries around the world.

Critical and creative

Dr. Sutherland’s work is focused on leadership practice, creative and strategic processes, leveraging diversity and experiential arts-based methods of management and leadership development. He is a co-founding editor of the journal Music and Arts in Action and the author/co-author of articles appearing in Management Learning; Business Leadership Review; Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society; Journal of Visual Art Practice; Music and Arts in Action; and Emotion Review. He is co-author of Key Concepts in Leadership (Sage, 2012). Dr. Sutherland has previously held appointments as associate research fellow at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Leadership Studies, and as assistant professor at Memorial.

“Building a career—and building a life—in music demands versatility and an intrepid approach,” said Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president (academic). “Critical thinking is just as important as creativity, and I believe that Dr. Sutherland’s expertise, which occurs at the intersection of the arts and business, with a particular focus on leadership and artful leading, will be an invaluable asset to our students, faculty and staff. I look forward to working with Dr. Sutherland and to welcoming him back to Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Dr. Golfman expresses her thanks to the search committee, and also recognizes the work of Dr. Maureen Volk, current dean, pro tempore, and Dr. Ellen Waterman, former dean.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Ellen Waterman for her considerable contributions to advancing the School of Music during her time as dean,” said Dr. Golfman. “Her dedication and commitment to the school and the university, and her consistent focus on students and their education and professional training, have been—and will continue to be—valued by all.”


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