VIU APPOINTS NEW DEAN, FACULTY OF CAREER AND ACADEMIC PREPARATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

NANAIMO, BC – Jean Maltesen has been appointed to the position of Dean, Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation (ACP). The faculty includes programs such as Adult Basic Education, Literacy and Adult Special Education as well as the Aboriginal University Bridging Program, University College Entrance Program and Tutor Training Program.

Maltesen has been successfully performing the duties of Interim Dean in the Faculty since October 2011 and has worked at VIU for almost 20 years. She’s held teaching, governance, labour management and leadership positions and has been a proactive member on many of VIU’s governing bodies, including the Senate, the Board of Governors and the Provost Council.

“Jean has always been a strong advocate for adult education and has exhibited great energy and commitment to her various roles throughout the years,” said David Witty, Provost and Vice-President Academic. “We look forward to that continued energy and vision in her role as Dean.”

Maltesen is excited about her new role and the potential impact ACP can have on VIU and the region. “I have been privileged to be involved in VIU in many way and these experiences have fueled my passion to create opportunities for others to value and love learning,” said Maltesen. “I believe ACP is a critical area as the programs help all learners in their quest for a better education and for a better life. The programs also give adult learners, some with significant barriers to overcome, an opportunity to receive the support they need to achieve academic success.”

As Dean, Maltesen plans to create additional partnerships with Aboriginal communities, local School Districts, various community service providers and government organizations, to create more opportunities for people to pursue further education. She’s also working on programs with other VIU faculties that better support students once they commit to returning to education.

Maltesen holds a bachelor of arts and bachelor of education from Lakehead University, a master’s of education from the University of Calgary and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education through UBC. She was a teacher in the public school system for many years, before starting her career in VIU’s Adult Basic Education department in 1993.