Queen’s University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane has announced the appointment of Kevin Kee as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, effective July 1, 2026. He will be a tenured professor jointly in the Department of History and School of Computing. His appointment follows a comprehensive search process chaired by Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans on behalf of the principal.<\/p>\n
Dr. Kee joins Queen\u2019s from the University of Ottawa, where he served as dean of the Faculty of Arts from 2015 to 2025 and as Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Strategy and Learning Innovation. He is a Queen\u2019s alum having earned his PhD, MA, and BA in History from Queen\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m delighted to welcome Dr. Kee back to Queen\u2019s as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science,\u201d says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. \u201cHe is an accomplished academic leader with a strong record of advancing innovation, research excellence, and student success. His experience leading large and complex academic units, combined with his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and digital transformation, will serve the faculty and university well as we continue to realize our Bicentennial Vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
As dean at uOttawa, Dr. Kee led strategic planning and implementation for the university\u2019s largest faculty by departments and workforce. During his tenure, the faculty increased research funding and awards, expanded lifelong learning and online programming while returning to balanced budgets. He also led the development of new interdisciplinary and revenue-generating academic initiatives and launched the Institute for Indigenous Research and Studies.<\/p>\n
While supporting the university\u2019s digital transformation, Dr. Kee led campus-wide consultation efforts and helped develop initiatives focused on teaching innovation, online learning, and knowledge mobilization. He also chaired the President\u2019s Advisory Committee on Mental Health and Wellness, contributing to enhanced student wellbeing.<\/p>\n
An internationally recognized scholar in digital humanities, Dr. Kee\u2019s research explores the intersections of history, technology, simulations, and immersive learning. He has held a Canada Research Chair in Digital Humanities and has led numerous major research projects and collaborations supported by organizations including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an honour to return to Queen\u2019s as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. The university played a formative role in shaping both my career and who I am,\u201d says Dr. Kee. \u201cWhat excites me most about the faculty is its breadth, bringing together the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. That creates a powerful opportunity to pursue fundamental knowledge and address some of the most important questions facing society. I look forward to working with the faculty\u2019s exceptional scholars, students, staff, and partners to build on their strengths and advance excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. It will be a privilege to support the continuing impact of this community.\u201d<\/p>\n