Submitted on behalf of Dr. Shannon Hagerman, Associate Professor & Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Colleagues,
I hope that this finds you well.
It is with mixed emotions that I write to announce some significant changes for two members of our Faculty of Forestry community in Graduate Student Services.
Stefen Ching, currently in the role of AwardsCoordinator, will soon be taking a brief leave to write his accountancy exams. On his return, Stefen will take on a full-time role as Financial Analyst in the Dean’s Office. In his time in the graduate program Stefen has done a truly wonderful job administering all things related to awards for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. I would like to thank Stefen for his meticulous attention to detail, and for his unwavering student advocacy—including always going above and beyond to ensure that all of our students have the best chance possible to be fully considered in each and every competition. We are thrilled to see and support Stefen’s professional development in the realm of finance, and we wish him all the best!
Sometimes, the stars align when it comes to timing, which brings me to my second (bittersweet) announcement…
Julie Morey, has decided to step down as Director of Graduate Student Academic Services and take on the Awards Coordinator position. Over the past two years, Julie expertly oversaw all matters related to the graduate student experience, and provided exceptional support for our students, including ensuring their success and wellbeing. On a personal note, I will be forever grateful to Julie for sharing her wealth of institutional and policy knowledge, and for making my transition into the AD role such a seamless, positive (and dare I say, enjoyable!) one. I will miss working with Julie in her capacity as Director tremendously. While we will all miss Julie’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and community-minded vision for leading the graduate program, I am delighted that she will continue to play an integral role in Graduate Student Services in our faculty. As for how this will all roll out, beginning in June, Julie will transition into the role of Awards Coordinator. We are very fortunate that there will be a period of overlap with the incoming Director (stay tuned for a separate announcement to come shortly), where Julie will share her vast knowledge and experience and support a smooth transition. We can’t thank Julie enough for her contributions to the faculty, especially during a time of significant transition in the program. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Julie!
Finally, my sincere thanks and deepest gratitude goes out to both Julie and Stefen, for all the ways (both the obvious but far more often, the myriad behind the scenes) that they have uniquely contributed to building an inclusive, supportive and dynamic academic home for our graduate students. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with each you. The Faculty of Forestry is incredibly lucky to have you staying on as dearly valued members of our community!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions at all.
All my best, Shannon