Dr. Sarah West Appointed Dean of Science at Trent University

Trent University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sarah West as the dean of science, who brings nearly a decade of progressive leadership and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and administration.

Transitioning from her role as interim dean, Professor West will oversee the strategic growth of the Faculty of Science at Trent, fostering partnerships, supporting research innovation, and ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of science scholarship in Canada.

“We are delighted to confirm Prof. West as our dean of science,” said Dr. Michael Khan, provost and vice president, Academic at Trent University and chair of the Decanal Search Committee. “Her exemplary leadership during her interim term, combined with her dedication to fostering academic excellence and her deep institutional knowledge, makes her the ideal choice for this role.”

Prof. West joined Trent University in 2015 and has since served in numerous academic leadership roles, including associate dean of science and director for the kinesiology program. Her tenure as interim dean of science showcased her ability to provide strategic leadership and foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. Prof. West is recognized for her innovative approach to advancing interdisciplinary research and enhancing the quality of education within the Faculty of Science.

Prof. West’s research focuses on physical activity and health in special populations and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Her work has cultivated key community research partnerships and garnered national and provincial funding. A strong advocate for experiential learning, she has supervised more than 60 undergraduate and graduate trainees, emphasizing the importance of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

“It is an honour to be appointed as dean of science at Trent University,” said Prof. West. “I am deeply committed to supporting our faculty and students in achieving their academic and research goals. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and uphold Trent’s reputation for excellence in science education and research.”

Prof. West is also a champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in academia. She has led initiatives to integrate Indigenous perspectives into science programming and has worked collaboratively to promote representation and inclusivity at all levels of the university.

Trent would like to extend its gratitude to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire for the university.