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Robin Drew: New Dean of ENCS 

Robin Drew will assume the post of Dean of Engineering and Computer Science on Aug. 1, 2008, for a five-year term.

He is currently a professor in the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering at McGill University, on leave as an overseas fellow in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at Cambridge University.

He completed his undergraduate studies in the School of Materials Science and Technology at the University of Bradford, U.K., and received his PhD in the Department of Metallurgy and Engineering Materials from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Provost David Graham, who chaired the search committee, paid tribute to his leadership, management skills and vision.
“Robin Drew has maintained a high level of research and scholarly activity throughout his academic career,” Graham said. “He brings a forward-looking and collegial approach to leadership that will build on the current strengths of the faculty.

“His knowledge of the Quebec environment and the strong connections he has forged with research networks, local industry and individuals will be of great benefit to the university. His facility in Spanish and his strong international connections, particularly in Latin America, are also highly attractive.”
We asked Dean-elect Drew what view he had formed of Concordia from the vantage point of McGill, and he replied by email from Cambridge.

“I have always held Concordia University in high esteem and felt that ENCS has great strength in several areas of its teaching and research programs. Moreover, in my mind it is very much a grass-roots university serving an important but different constituency than McGill. Of particular note is its strong connection with the local community.”

He looks forward to taking up his new appointment.

“There are some very dynamic and bright young academics at Concordia and I am looking forward with a great deal of excitement to working with them and the other academic staff to make ENCS an even greater place to study and do research, not only at the local level but also nationally and internationally.”
Welcome to Concordia, Dean-elect Drew.