Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano appointed vice-provost, faculty affairs

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano as vice-provost, faculty affairs, effective August 1, 2020. Roberta will also be appointed at the rank of professor to the department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Faculty of Arts at Ryerson. 

An accomplished scholar and academic leader, Roberta joins us from York University where she is currently the associate dean, faculty affairs in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and has gained extensive experience in labour and faculty relations. 

Roberta oversees all faculty hiring and recruitment, complaints and grievances, as well as the support of faculty through the tenure and promotion process within the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York. During her term, she played a crucial role in advocating for equitable hiring policies and programs, as well as leading the successful launch of a new online application system for full-time faculty recruitment. 

Her belief in open communication, collegiality and collaboration is demonstrated through her commitment to professional development and accommodation. At York, Roberta led the organization and facilitation of workshops for faculty and staff on a variety of important topics, such as sexual violence response, Indigenizing curricula, and accessibility in academia. She also led major departmental renovations, which ensured accessible spaces for students, faculty and staff. 

Prior to her current role, Roberta held various leadership positions at York University, including associate dean, programs in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, as well as chair, department of languages, literatures and linguistics. Notably, she has been the recipient of numerous academic and professional awards, including the CIBPA Award for Excellence for service to the community. 

Roberta holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from York University. She is fluent in English, French and Italian.

This appointment was made under the direction of Michael Benarroch, provost and vice-president, academic, 2017-2020. On behalf of Dr. Benarroch, thank you to members of the search committee for their contributions to this successful search: 

Michael Benarroch
Provost and Vice-President, Academic (Committee Chair)

Lisa Barnoff
Dean, Faculty of Community Services 

Rachel Berman
Associate Professor, School of Early Childhood Studies

Habiba Bougherara
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

David Cramb
Dean, Faculty of Science

Peter Danziger
Professor, Department of Mathematics 

Jason Lisi
Associate Professor, School of Graphic Communications Management 

Jenny O’Donnell
Chief Human Resources Officer 

Anver Saloojee
Assistant Vice-President, International 

Jane Sprott
Professor, Department of Criminology 

Please join me in congratulating Roberta on her appointment and welcoming her to the Ryerson community. 

Saeed Zolfaghari
Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic