St. Francis Xavier University President Dr. Sean Riley is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert van den Hoogen, a professor of mathematics and most recently interim Dean of Science, has been appointed the new Dean of Science at StFX following a national search.

“Dr. van den Hoogen brings a fresh perspective and dedication to the challenging tasks of continuing to make our Faculty of Science a dynamic part of StFX. He is a welcome addition to our  academic leadership team,” Dr. Riley said.

Dr. van den Hoogen has taught at StFX since 1995. He was granted tenure in 2001 and named a full professor in 2008. Along with his teaching and ongoing research, he has a strong history of involvement at StFX, including serving as a member on both the University Senate and the University Budget Committee. He is a former president of the StFX Association of University Teachers, a former member of the Faculty Development Committee, and former secretary to the Faculty of Science.

“I am delighted to have Dr. van den Hoogen as our new Dean of Science," said Dr. Mary McGillivray, StFX Academic Vice President and Provost. "StFX is looking forward to further developments in academic programs in both teaching and research, as well as to the launch of a new capital campaign. Robert’s expertise in his work and his enthusiasm for the faculty, staff and students at StFX will be a tremendous asset in these efforts,” added Dr. McGillivray.

Dr. van den Hoogen is originally from Mabou, Cape Breton. He holds a PhD in mathematics from Dalhousie University. Well-known as an enthusiastic and energetic instructor, he is also an active researcher in the area of mathematical physics with a particular interest in analyzing and developing mathematical models of the universe. He is supported by Discovery Grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) as well as various research grants from StFX. Dr. van den Hoogen values the contributions made by both undergraduate and graduate students to research, and has included undergraduate students in his research program during several summers.

“As Dean of Science, I am looking forward to acting on some of the initiatives I have heard from the Faculty of Science over the past year,” he says. “I am keen to work with the faculty, staff and students in continuing our goals of excellence in the teaching, research and scholarship that are being engaged in everyday here at StFX.”

Dr. van den Hoogen takes up his appointment on July 1, 2010.