For immediate release

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Kwantlen Polytechnic University announces new dean of Science and Horticulture

Metro Vancouver, BC - (March 9, 2012) - Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth Worobec as Kwantlen's new dean, Science and Horticulture effective September 21, 2012.

Dr. Worobec's career extends over 27 years; she joins Kwantlen from the University of Manitoba where her most recent appointment was as Director of University 1, the unit which oversees student academic support for first year students. Prior to that she held positions at the university including: Assistant Professor in Microbiology, Associate Professor, Assistant Head of Microbiology and Associate Dean of Science (Student Affairs).

Dr. Worobec has had an active research and teaching career. She has been a recipient of NSERC funding since 1988 and has mentored 16 graduate students and close to 50 undergraduate research assistants and Honours Microbiology research project students. She has been a member of several granting panels, including Chair of the CIHR-NSERC Collaborative Health Research Project grant panel. Her research focuses on mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant bacteria.

Dr. Worobec has been very active in many aspects of university management and governance, with a particular focus on undergraduate programming, recruitment and retention. She is an elected member of Senate and has served on Senate curriculum and admissions committees. She is a member of the University of Manitoba Strategic Enrolment Planning Committee and co-chair of the Student Retention and Success Committee. As Associate Dean of Science, Dr. Worobec was the Director of Co-op programs and worked closely with the student outreach group Let's Talk Science. She has also been involved in the introduction and restructuring of undergraduate Science programs.

Dr. Worobec completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta in 1985 and continued with post-doctoral training at the University of British Colombia in Department of Microbiology.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for more than 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca