After an extensive search process, MacEwan University is pleased to announce that Deric Olsen has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications.

Professor Olsen is a filmmaker and teacher who has risen to the top of the academic ranks through both his creative acumen and instructional prowess. 

Currently the chair of the Department of Drama at the University of Lethbridge (U of L), Professor Olsen has served as both interim dean and associate dean in the U of L’s Faculty of Fine Arts, where he now holds the title of full professor, specializing in narrative filmmaking. 

“We’re thrilled to have  join our leadership team a filmmaker and teacher who has risen to the top of the academic ranks through both his creative acumen and instructional prowess,” says Dr. Craig Monk, provost & vice-president, Academic. “Professor Olsen brings to MacEwan extensive administrative experience, from program development and quality assurance to the focused recruitment and retention of fine arts faculty and students.” 

“I was gratified to see that we had such robust community engagement throughout the search process,” says Dr. Monk. “The overwhelming consensus is that Professor Olsen will lead the Faculty with purpose in our shared institutional pursuit of Teaching Greatness.” The recommendation to appoint Professor Olsen was made to MacEwan's President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee by a committee of nominees and volunteers: Dr. Emily LeBel, Department of Music; Dr. Iain Macpherson, Department of Communication; Dr. Isabelle Sperano, Department of Design; Jayne Ference, academic advisor; Sean Harper, Bachelor of Music student; Helen Ngan-Paré, associate vice-president, Human Resources; Dr. Edvard Lorkovic, Department of Humanities; and Dr. Christy Raymond, dean of the Faculty of Nursing.

Professor Olsen succeeds outgoing dean, Dr. Allan Gilliland. “We have been so fortunate to have had the benefit of Dr. Gilliland’s transformational leadership over these past two administrative terms, as the faculty built and developed further its outstanding programs since moving into Allard Hall,” says Dr. Monk. “He has been very clear that the next stage of his career includes more composing and recording and a return to full-time duties in the classroom, where new cohorts of MacEwan students will have the opportunity to learn from an artist of international renown.”

Professor Olsen’s initial, five-year term will begin on July 1, 2024.