Dr. Richard Arias-Hernández has been appointed as Academic Director of Vantage College for a three-year term, commencing July 1, 2025.
Dr. Arias-Hernández is an Associate Professor of Teaching at the School of Information. His current educational leadership work focuses on curriculum research and development to leverage and incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into archival and records management programs. He has received his Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a M.Eng. in Industrial Engineering and a B.Eng./B.Sc. in Systems and Computer Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia.
Dr. Arias-Hernández steps into this role as Dr. Suzie Lavallee comes to the end of her term as Academic Director. I would like to thank Suzie for her work over the last five years as Academic Director, and most recently as acting Principal since January, 2025. Her leadership during a period of change for Vantage has been greatly appreciated within Vantage and the partnering Faculties.
Vantage College will approach a new academic year with renewed programming. This fall will see the launch of a new cohort in Arts, as well as returning cohorts in Science and Applied Science.
I look forward to working with Dr. Arias-Hernández and Dr. Joanne Fox, who is returning as Principal as of July 1, in their respective roles.
Simon Bates
Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning