Flipping pancakes part of the first week on the job for new Schulich School of Engineering dean

Flipping pancakes part of the first week on the job for new Schulich School of Engineering dean

The topic of cowboy hats came up. How do you buy a good one? As rodeo fans know, you need to check the X rating inside the brim. The higher the X, the more beaver fur in the felt, the better the hat.

Of all of the things that a new dean of engineering coming to Calgary would need to know, this is one – especially for a start date in the middle of Stampede week.

As of July 11, 2011, Dr. Guy Gendron takes up the reins as dean of the Schulich School of Engineering. X factor aside, much of what he needs to know for the job is already second nature.

He comes to the Schulich School from Université Laval, where he has been dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering for four years, and an associate dean for many years before that. He is steeped in experience in complex environments.

“I think I was chosen for this job because I have proven that I understand environments like this. I make sense for Calgary. I understand in a really practical way how a school like this can be developed,” says Dr. Gendron, who was trained as a structural engineer first at Université Laval, and then did his PhD at Virginia Tech.

Over the past several months, he has been reading about and researching the Schulich School of Engineering. He probably knows more about us than we know about each other. Our new dean brings to his new role a passion for improving student education, and a reputation for living up to his word.

“There is work to be done at both the undergraduate and graduate student level in the education system generally. So I really like that the student experience is front and centre at the Schulich School of Engineering. This is important to me,” he says. He has been active with the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board and will bring that experience and expertise to engineering education in Calgary.

He is also eager to talk to Calgary companies and alumni, to ensure the school is meeting their needs. In fact, there are needs on many fronts that he seeks to understand.

“I am known for being inclusive. I like to talk to people, and not just to say hello. I want to understand the roadblocks that people face. If they are in staff roles, I want to see how we can improve the services we offer. If they are in faculty roles, I want to know what they need to be most successful. If they are in industry, I want to know if our students are well prepared for work. If they are alumni, I want them to be proud of their school and remain engaged in its development.

“I am also close to students, and I am very attentive to what they do. I tell students that it is important for me as dean that they perform well on clubs and teams, because it is part of their student experience. I will help to set up environments that help them work better and, in this day and age, more collaboratively. I have high expectations of students, and will be their greatest champion.”

In his former role as dean, Guy (pronounced “Gee” with a hard “g”, as in Guy LaFleur) was a rare academic leader with a video blog, which evolved into a print blog.

“I know, as a dean, that communication is very important. People often do not know what is going on administratively, and it affects them. People need to know what we are working on – I want them to know the profile of the incoming class, the number of students, the success rate of our undergraduate and graduate students, our success in getting our research funding renewed, where we are changing, and why. Maybe there are things that we need to improve or changes we need to discuss.

“My leadership style is to engage broadly and seek solutions, but only where needed. I consult widely and try not to break things! I like to avoid conflict and will always try to find a way to move things toward answers or improvements.

“And I walk the talk. I don’t expect people to do things that I myself am not doing. I demonstrate what is important. If we want faculty members to provide high quality training to students, I too have to put in the hours required to prepare a good course or to give quality supervision to graduate students. When I teach, I always ask to be evaluated and I am responsive to suggestions, and will adjust based on feedback to do an even better job next time.”

One of his uppermost priorities will be to invest energy in the Engineering Leaders fundraising campaign, because it is central to the Schulich School of Engineering’s future success.

As he settles in to his new role, the Schulich School’s eighth dean plans to take time to assess and consult on an optimal approach to the next cycle of planning, so that the engineering school can align its goals with the university’s. With much of that work done, he hopes it can be a streamlined process. He is also a strong supporter of the priorities already identified in biomedical engineering, and energy and the environment.

“I do have an environmental sensitivity. I am concerned about it. At the same time, some of these debates can get very emotional. I try to be environmentally friendly but remain scientific at the same time.”

Starting today, Guy’s door will be open to hear the ideas and concerns of everyone in the Schulich School of Engineering and the community. He is eager to hear from all corners about things that can be improved in the school. And he couldn’t be happier about his new role here.

“I have been struck by how accepting and welcoming people are in Calgary. I am coming with a positive and open mind, and I am so proud to be joining an engineering school like this.”

In his first week on the job, Dean Gendron will be flipping pancakes at the Schulich Stampede breakfast, hosting a wine and cheese reception, and getting to know the many faces in the Schulich School. Be sure to tip your hat and say hello.