Faculty Welcomes Dr. Ian Rowlands as New Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ian Rowlands has agreed to serve as our next Associate Dean, Graduate Studies. He takes over from Dr. Peter Deadman on September 1, 2025.
Ian is a professor in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability with a distinguished record of interdisciplinary teaching and research in the field of energy issues and climate change governance. A seasoned administrator, Ian has held several senior roles at Waterloo, including Associate Vice-President, International; Associate Dean, Research; Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives; Director, Environment and Business program; and, now,
Associate Dean, Graduate Studies. Outside the University, Ian has been invited to serve on boards of directors, editorial boards, committees, and expert panels locally and around the globe. In response to his appointment, Ian expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and that he is “excited to be working with colleagues across the Faculty and beyond to deliver outstanding programming to, and to help to catalyze transformative experiences for, Environment's graduate students.”
With Ian taking on the role of Associate Dean, Dr. Peter Deadman steps down to begin a well-earned sabbatical. Pete (as he is more commonly known) has served as Associate Dean, Graduate Studies for three years, overseeing all the aspects of graduate programs from admissions to new programs to teaching assistant allocations to immigration policy impacts. Most recently, Pete led research and consultations on a new vision for a Graduate School of Environment to support a “One Environment” approach to graduate programming in the Faculty.
Please join us in thanking Pete for his service and welcoming Ian into his new role!
Pete’s deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships with students and colleagues, and unflappable calm have been integral to the stewardship of graduate studies in the Faculty during a time of many changes and challenges. We are grateful for his leadership.
