The University of Waterloo has appointed Sheila Ager as the next dean of the Faculty of Arts.
This week, the University’s Senate passed a motion recommending Professor Ager’s appointment to the Board of Governors.
A faculty member at Waterloo since 1987, Professor Ager is a full professor in the Department of Classical Studies and currently serves as interim chair for the Department of Fine Arts.
She completed her BA and MA degrees at Queen’s University, and earned her doctorate from the University of British Columbia. At the University of Waterloo, Professor Ager has served her department, Faculty and the University in a variety of roles for more than 30 years.
Professor Ager is a scholar of Greek history, specializing in the Hellenistic age – the years between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the suicide of Cleopatra in 30 BC. Often engaging interdisciplinary approaches, much of her research has centred on interstate relations in this period, including peaceful dispute resolution.
“Over her years at this university, Professor Ager has clearly proven her excellence and dedication in both academic and administrative leadership roles,” said Vice-President, Academic & Provost Jim Rush. “I’m pleased and confident that her collaborative leadership style, combined with a deep institutional knowledge, will serve the Arts and University community very well.”
Professor Ager’s considerable record of service includes chair of the Department of Classical Studies (2009-17), Associate Dean of Arts, Undergraduate Studies (2001-07), two terms as a member of Senate, and one term as a member of the Board of Governors. She is currently Director of the Waterloo Institute for Hellenistic Studies, and, since 2016, has been Director of the University of Waterloo’s Academic Leadership Program.
Starting her five-year term as dean on July 1, 2019, Professor Ager takes over from Douglas Peers, professor of history who served as dean for two terms.