Acting dean of humanities aims to build on Faculty’s strengths

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Jones_crop.JPG” caption=”Howard Jones”]A faculty of golden retrievers would be a dream come true for Howard Jones.

They are intelligent, loyal, agreeable creatures. And they don't smell, laughs the newly appointed acting dean of humanities.

Jones, who has a strong affection for golden retrievers, has been appointed to his new position for a six-month renewable term beginning July 1.

I consider it a distinct honour to assume the office, even for a short time, says the Department of Classics chair, who has served under five deans of the Faculty of Humanities since its founding in 1968.

Humanities has a record of excellence in teaching and scholarship of which it is justly proud, says Jones. As custodian of the faculty, he sees one of his roles as assisting in consolidating new initiatives, which have been established during the past three years. He also hopes to help attract top students and faculty to its programs.

I see the Faculty building upon its proven strengths in traditional areas and, as part of a university with a reputation for innovative approaches to learning, becoming a leader in emerging new disciplines, he says.

Howard is an experienced administrator, having served as chair of classics for five years, says Ken Norrie, provost and vice-president academic. There has been wide consultation on this matter and there is unanimous agreement that this is a most appropriate appointment.

Jones received a BA from the University of London, and an MA and PhD from the University of Indiana. He has published on the classical tradition, examining the influence of the classical period on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and is a past winner of the McMaster Students' Union teaching award.

Currently, he is training his golden retriever Dickens as a therapy dog and hopes to take him to hospitals to assist with the emotional health of patients.

Jones, who says he will fill the position until a new dean is appointed, replaces Daniel Woolf. Woolf served as dean since July 1, 1999 and is taking on a new post at the University of Alberta as dean of arts. He leaves McMaster at the end of June.