Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of Fine Arts, Professor, Department of Drama

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Before coming to ULethbridge, I was at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, B.C. While I was there, I was faculty in the theatre and english programs and was the Director of the School of Creative Arts. I did my PhD and MA at the University of Guelph in the School of English and Theatre Studies. I was drawn to the University of Lethbridge because of the strengths of the Faculty of Fine Arts, the University's focus on Liberal Education and also because of Lethbridge's size and landscape.

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I've been at ULethbridge since the beginning of July. As the Dean of Fine Arts, I oversee the departments in the Faculty — Art, Drama, Music and New Media. I see my main role as ensuring that students in the Faculty have an amazing, transformational experience during their time at ULethbridge. This means supporting Faculty members in delivering programs and curriculum, and encouraging them in their scholarly activities — research and creative practice — because these enhance student experience. I also see a major part of my role as connecting the Faculty of Fine Arts to the other areas of the University and to the Lethbridge community.

What's the best part of your job so far? What kinds of things are you planning for the Faculty of Fine Arts?
So far, the best part of my job has been getting to know the staff and faculty I am working with in the Faculty of Fine Arts and other members of the ULethbridge community. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and friendly, which has made my first few weeks really lovely. I am really looking forward to meeting more students as the fall semester gets underway, and seeing our students grow and develop as artists and critical thinkers during their time in our programs. My plan right now is to spend the next few months getting to know the Faculty more, to learn as much as I can about the needs of the students, staff, and faculty members in Fine Arts, and to work with members of the Faculty to imagine what our future goals look like, and to develop plans to work toward those goals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time outside, especially skiing and camping. I have two kids, who are six and eight, so most of my time outside of work is spent with them. Since moving to Lethbridge, we've been big fans of going to the YMCA pool and have been exploring southern Alberta.