College Appoints Acting Associate Dean - Student Affairs

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Jitendrapal Sharma from the Department of Civil & Geological Engineering as Acting Associate Dean – Student Affairs,” said Dean Janusz Kozinski in an announcement released earlier today. The appointment is effective July 1, 2009 and Professor Sharma will initially serve in this new capacity until December 31, 2009.

Professor Sharma is best known for his a superior teaching abilities, and rightly so as both of his parents and his grandfather were also educators. In 2003, Jit received the USSU Excellence in Teaching Award (nominated by the students).  He was also nominated for this award in 2005 and 2007.  In other words, students love him!  Some of the many other awards Professor Sharma has received throughout his career include James Berkely Gold Medal, University of Bombay (1987); Vice-chancellor’s Gold Medal, University of Bombay (1987); Nehru Scholarship and Overseas Research Studentship for doctoral studies at Cambridge (1989-1992); and, the ASCE COPRI Outstanding Paper Award (2004).

After obtaining his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from Cambridge University in 1994, Professor Sharma continued his career as an educator, researcher and engineer in a number of different countries. His international interest has continued and the College currently benefits from his expertise as a member of the College International Education & Initiatives Committee and as the Departmental Coordinator for India-related collaborative initiatives.

Jit also has an active research portfolio focusing on: fundamental soil behavior; geotechnical centrifuge modeling; numerical modeling of soil-structure interaction; ground improvement; soil reinforcement using natural and synthetic fabrics; mechanical behavior of municipal solid waste; and soft ground tunneling. Since his appointment at the U of S in 2001, he has authored/co-authored thirty-eight peer-reviewed publications in international journals and conference proceedings and has been invited to present his research work at various international conferences and workshops.

In his new role as Associate Dean – Student Affairs, Professor Sharma will ensure the College continues to offer superior quality in coordinating undergraduate and graduate programs. He will be responsible for developing a new framework for leadership in student affairs in the College, including numerous student-related matters in academic programs, student counseling and advising, recruitment and retention, accreditation, outreach and transition programs (including aboriginal student initiatives).    

Dr. Kozinski said “I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Sharma into this new role at a time when we prepare for the opening of the Engineering Student Centre with a mandate to better serve and support our students. I wish him success in setting the stage in the College for a stimulating, enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience for our students.”  Jit will also be working with the Colleges of Arts & Science, Agriculture & Bioresource, and Edwards School of Business regarding curriculum issues and will contribute to several University curriculum committees.

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