November 28, 2005 Source: University of Toronto:
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/051128-1864.asp Social work dean accepts position at Australian University im Barber to become deputy vice-chancellor of RMIT University in Melbourne
Nov 28/05
by Elizabeth Monier-Williams (about) (email) Professor Jim Barber, dean of the Faculty of Social Work, has accepted an appointment as deputy vice-chancellor of RMIT University in Melbourne — one of Australia’s leading academic institutions in vocational and technical education and research. He will step down as dean on Dec. 31, 2005. "This was a bittersweet decision for me, and has cost me more than a few nights’ sleep," Barber said. "U of T has provided the happiest and most collegial working environment of my career, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work at the highest levels in my hometown and at my alma mater." Since joining the University of Toronto in 2003 as dean of social work, Barber has made significant contributions to U of T’s academic community. Under his leadership, the faculty established Canada’s first Institute for Evidence-Based Social Work, received a successful accreditation report (and was accredited for the maximum years possible), redesigned the master of social work program, developed the faculty’s Stepping Up academic plan and significantly increased its research profile. Barber has been actively involved in a variety of institutional activities, including the School of Graduate Studies review committee, the task force on graduate education and the budget review task force. He also conceived and convened the single department faculty deans’ group, which has been highly effective at increasing collegiality and fostering important synergies between the single-department faculties. "Professor Barber has been an outstanding university citizen and has made significant contributions in his time at U of T," said Professor Vivek Goel, vice-president and provost. "On behalf of all his colleagues at the University of Toronto, I would like to wish Jim and his family all the best as he undertakes this new challenge in his academic career." Goel noted that he will immediately begin consultations regarding the appointment of an interim dean as well as issue a call for nominations for members of an advisory committee to recommend on the appointment of the next dean.
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