The new dean of the college of agriculture and bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan joined the faculty in 2006
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn was recently appointed as the dean of the college of agriculture and bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in Saskatoon.
Bedard-Haughn grew up on a farm north of St. Brieux, Sask. She completed her undergraduate and masters degrees at USask. In 2004, she completed a PhD at the University of California, Davis specializing in soil science.
In 2006, Bedard-Haughn began her USask faculty position in the college of agriculture and bioresources in soil science. Since then, she’s held positions as graduate chair, department head of soil science, and associate dean of research and graduate studies.
“That position reports to the dean and it really has oversight of all the research activities and facilities in the college. So, I got to see all the grant proposals before they went in, help with that process and well as oversee the graduate programing,” Bedard-Haughn told Farms.com.
She replaces May Buhr as the dean of the college. Buhr held that position since July 1, 2009.
Bedard-Haughn appreciates the opportunity this role gives her to serve the college and campus.
“Ag bio is a tremendous college. I think that we have an important role to play provincially, … nationally and internationally, in terms of our contributions to research in the area of agriculture and bioresources and with respect to the training of the next generation of scientists of all aspects of agriculture and bioresources,” she said.
While the ag industry faces challenging times right now, the college is resilient, just like farmers, said Bedard-Haughn.
“I'm confident that, working together, … we will continue to be successful. We will adapt. We will be resilient because that's what we've always done,” she said.
Bedard-Haughn looks forward to working with the community and stakeholders in her new role that begins Aug. 1.
“My goal is to make sure that everything we do thoroughly reflects the shifting landscape in agriculture and that we ensure both our research and our curriculum are relevant and exciting. To do that, we'll continue to engage closely with all members of the community. I would like to encourage folks to reach out and talk to me about what they think the college can do for them. We take our role as leaders in the community very seriously,” said Bedard-Haughn.
Photo credit: University of Saskatchewan