New Dean appointed for UBC's Faculty of Health and Social Development

Gordon Binsted, Dean of UBC's Faculty of Health and Social Development

Dr. Gordon Binsted has been appointed to a five-year term as Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Development at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus. The faculty includes the School of Nursing, School of Social Work, and the School of Health and Exercise Sciences -- all areas where research is being conducted with the goal of helping people live healthy lives.

An active researcher in the field of human kinetics, Binsted has served as acting dean since 2011. He holds a PhD from the University of Alberta, Master of Science degree in human biodynamics from McMaster University, and received his Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree from the University of British Columbia.

Binsted's primary research focuses on the sensory and motor processes associated with fundamental activities of daily living, and how these functions change with age, disease, or environmental disruption.

"The appointment of Gord Binsted to lead the Faculty of Health and Social Development is tremendous for this large and very active faculty, and for UBC's Okanagan campus," says Professor Wesley Pue, Provost and Vice Principal. "From the preparation of a growing number of outstanding nursing, social work and human kinetics graduates each year, to the rapidly expanding research initiatives across this Faculty, this is an exciting time for Health and Social Development."

"I'm excited and honoured to have been selected for this position," says Binsted.  "UBC's Okanagan campus is an exciting environment in which to work. We have some fantastic research clusters within the Faculty, including the areas of cardiovascular health, palliative care, Aboriginal health, and smoking cessation, amongst many others."

Binsted adds that the Faculty of Health and Social Development will continue to focus on high-quality research projects that enhance and support its growing national and international reputation, as well as continue its commitment to preparing a first-rate undergraduate and graduate education for students in each of its disciplines.  Graduates will benefit from innovative teaching practice and hands-on experience.

"Our faculty, graduate and undergraduate students will continue to be immersed within the local, national and international community in research, teaching and practice," says Binsted. "Community service learning will remain an important component to our programming to ensure the transfer of knowledge and building of relationships."

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