Capilano University welcomes new dean, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
News release: Capilano University welcomes new dean Arts & Sciences Tracy Penny Light (PDF)
North Vancouver B.C. February 1, 2023 – Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Penny Light (she/her), PhD, as the University’s new dean, Faculty of Arts & Sciences. Reporting to the VP academic & provost, Penny Light will provide academic leadership and strategic direction for the Schools of Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences within the faculty. Penny Light begins her new role at the university today.
“As an internationally recognized educator, researcher and academic leader, Tracy’s decanal leadership will contribute to collaborations, partnerships, experiential learning and inclusive practices that further advance the excellent work and contributions of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, as well as the University as a whole,” says Laureen Styles, EdD, VP academic & provost, Capilano University.
Tracy Penny Light comes to CapU from St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies, where she served as both a history professor and director of the Office of Leadership and Excellence in Academic Development division in the Department of Educational Services. Prior to that role, she served as a professor of history and the executive director of the Centre for Student Engagement and Learning Innovation at Thompson Rivers University, and associate professor at the University of Waterloo where she taught in both the sexuality, marriage and family studies and history departments and served as the director of women’s studies.
Her academic research has followed an interdisciplinary studies approach and focused on the social history of medicine. Penny Light has explored medical discourse on gender and sexuality in Canada and the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the ways that ePortfolios can deepen student learning. Penny Light is a proponent of empowering students to ask critical questions and using research from multiple disciplines to understand the world.
“I am thrilled to be joining Capilano University!” said Penny Light. “The vision and values of CapU align with my personal ideals and previous work in higher education. I look forward to supporting the mission of the university by partnering with our students, faculty, staff, and communities.”
Tracy Penny Light holds a Master of Arts in History (Laurentian University) and a PhD, History (University of Waterloo). She is also president of the Association for Authentic, Experiential, and Evidence-Based Learning (AAEEBL), the international ePortfolio community of practice.
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. With industry-leading instructors, small classes and over 100 programs across five distinctive faculties, CapU is a unique place where students are encouraged to make their mark, in and out of the classroom. Capilano University is named after Sa7plek (Chief Joe Capilano), an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses are located on the territories of the LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
For interviews or more information, please contact:
Linda Munro
Senior Advisor, Public Affairs
Capilano University
t: 604 220 8937
e: lindamunro@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Submitted by: Communications