Noel Burke named Dean of General Studies

Noel C. Burke, who has been the anglophone community’s representative at the highest level of the Quebec government, has been chosen for the new position of Dean of the School of General Studies.

The School will address non-credit studies, Web-based distance education, off-campus education and credit studies and serve the specific needs of independent, mature and visiting students.

Burke has a BEd and an MEd in Administration and Policy Studies from McGill. Since 2002, he has served in the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport as Assistant Deputy Minister for the English-Speaking Community. Before that, he was Assistant Director General and Educational Services Director for the New Frontiers School Board.

He has held numerous teaching positions, including Resident Adjunct Professor for the Faculty of Graduate Studies in Education at McGill, Sessional Lecturer for the Department of Education, Faculty of Arts and Science at Concordia and Sessional Lecturer and Curriculum Developer for the Faculty of Education — Distance Education Department at McGill.

In making the appointment, President Claude Lajeunesse said, “Noel Burke’s passion, vision and leadership, demonstrated over 30 years, will be a great asset to Concordia.”

Provost Martin Singer said, “During his presentation and visit with the Concordia community, Mr. Burke expressed a clearly articulated innovative vision for the School that was grounded in his many years working in the field.

“He has a sound sense of pedagogy, excellent communication skills and a natural enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning — all the competencies required for successfully building the School and realizing its possibilities.”

The School of General Studies is another step in Concordia’s promise to be as accessible as possible while maintaining the highest academic standards. The Concordia community welcomes Burke and wishes him every success in the development of this exciting academic challenge.