UBC Extended Learning (UBC ExL), formerly UBC Continuing Studies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregor Kiczales as Executive Director effective July 1, 2017.
Dr. Kiczales is a professor in the Computer Science Department and has over 30 years’ experience in computer science research. Prior to coming to UBC in 2000, Dr. Kiczales worked at the MIT Lab for Computer Science and the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. His early research at MIT and Xerox focused on computer supported learning environments.
He developed and continues to teach UBC’s popular first-semester computer science course in software design, and is the recipient of a Killam teaching prize, UBC’s highest award for teaching. Dr. Kiczales has a particular interest in online learning, and was one of the first faculty members at UBC to launch his own massive open online course (MOOC) on the edX platform. In his role as Senior Advisor to the Provost, Digital Learning Strategy, Dr. Kiczales leads the development of the University’s public online strategy and offerings, as well as UBC’s relationship with edX. He is also a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery.
Senate approved the evolution of UBC Continuing Studies to UBC ExL in March 2017 in response to growing demand for relevant and flexible continuing education from communities, industry, government and alumni. As Executive Director, Dr. Kiczales will develop strategic initiatives to improve university Career and Personal Education (CPE) at UBC by building on research, new technologies, market advances and alliances, and by supporting a more coordinated approach across the University.
The mission of UBC ExL is to bring UBC excellence to the community. Recognizing that teaching and research excellence reside in the faculties, UBC ExL will work with faculties to provide career and personal education opportunities of the highest quality to an even greater number and wider range of learners. UBC ExL will offer faculties expertise in market research and strategy, business development, program development, operations and marketing.