Dr. Andrew Parnaby Appointed Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences

Cape Breton University is pleased to announce that Dr. Andrew Parnaby, an Associate Professor of History, has been appointed as Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences.
“The School of Arts and Social Sciences is a vibrant academic community dedicated to providing students with diverse and demanding intellectual, experiential, and community-engaged learning experiences and it never stops trying to innovate – as the creation of programs in Traditional Music, Applied Theatre, Sport and Physical Activity Leadership suggest,” says Dr. Parnaby. “I look forward to working with my colleagues as we create deeper links with Cape Breton’s many communities, strengthen our commitment to the student experience, and consider new ideas for unique courses and programs.”
Prior to joining CBU in 2003, Dr. Parnaby taught at Dalhousie University and the University of Victoria. During his time at CBU, he has received CBU’s Distinguished Teaching Award both in 2011 and 2016, and in 2017, he was awarded the Association of Atlantic Universities Distinguished Teaching Award. He has also held administrative roles as Department Chair, Associate Dean and Interim Dean.
“Dr. Parnaby is one of our outstanding, award-winning professors who is an excellent teacher and scholar. I am excited to have him join the leadership team at CBU and look forward to working with him in this new role,” says Dr. Richard MacKinnon, Vice-President, Academic & Provost (Interim).
Dr. Parnaby holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Queen’s University, a Master of Arts (History) from Simon Fraser University, and a PhD from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council doctoral fellowship and was named a Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies.
A social historian, his current research focuses on deindustrialization in Atlantic Canada.  He has authored numerous scholarly articles, chapters, reviews, and editorials, and published three books, including Secret Service: Political Policing in Canada, From the Fenians to Fortress America with Reg Whitaker and Gregory S. Kealey.  A publication that, in 2012, Dr. Parnaby and his co-authors were awarded the Canada Prize in the Social Sciences by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, and in 2013, named Honourable Mention for the Canadian Historical Association’s John A. MacDonald Prize.
“Dr. Parnaby is highly-respected by his peers and a fine example of CBU’s commitment to excellence in the classroom. He brings a unique perspective that I know will strengthen the School of Arts and Social Sciences as well as many other aspects of CBU. I look forward to working with him as we move forward with strategic purpose,” says David C. Dingwall, President & Vice-Chancellor.
Dr. Parnaby assumed the role on July 1, 2018.