Kuehne, Rippin to serve second terms

Two senior UVic administrators have been appointed to second terms.

Dr. Valerie Kuehne has been appointed to a second five-year term as associate vice-president academic planning, effective July 1. And Dr. Andrew Rippin will serve a second five-year term as dean of humanities, also beginning July 1.

Prior to coming to UVic, Kuehne was a pediatric nurse and nursing instructor in Edmonton. She joined UVic’s school of child and youth care in 1990 and was promoted to associate professor in 1994 and full professor in 2001. She has served as the associate vice president academic planning since 2000.

Kuehne was instrumental in the planning and development of the Island Medical Program and played a central role in the development of new teaching and research programs across the university.

“Valerie has represented the office of the provost in many capacities both internally and externally,” says Jamie Cassels, vice-president academic and provost. “The [search] committee received extensive feedback from the university community and external constituents as well, which was uniformly positive.”

Rippin is a professor of Islamic history in the department of history, and the author and editor of many books on the Islamic religion. He came to UVic in July 2000 after 20 years at the University of Calgary.

“The [selection] committee found that Andrew has excellent administrative skills and a facilitative approach to leadership. He has a transparent approach to the task of dean, a reputation for fairness and integrity, and is a skilled communicator,” says Cassels. “He enjoys the confidence of members of the faculty and elsewhere in the university.”