U of S appoints dean in Edwards School of Business

Willoughby, who is currently serving as interim dean of the school, has long been connected to the university, receiving his BComm from the U of S, before earning an MSc from the University of British Columbia and a PhD from the University of Calgary.

“I have long seen the potential of this school, and am thrilled to be selected to lead Edwards faculty, staff and students as dean,” said Willoughby, who first joined the Edwards School of Business in 1997 as an assistant professor. “It is a vibrant, engaged school that is creating the next generation of business professionals that are second to none and in high demand after graduation.”

Following his first stint at the U of S, Willoughby stepped into a faculty position at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. He returned to the U of S as an associate professor before taking on the role of associate dean in 2011. While serving as the associate dean, research and academic, his portfolio included faculty oversight and management of the school’s research and scholarly activities, as well as responsibilities pertaining to business school accreditation. In July 2016, Willoughby was appointed interim dean for the Edwards School of Business, replacing Daphne Taras, who served as dean for six years.

“It is an exciting time for the school as we continue to finalize accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and build and advance our research reputation in the province, the country and the world,” said Willoughby.

Willoughby is a renowned researcher with extensive experience in health-care process improvement and has worked for the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council as a senior operations research specialist. He is a former Hanlon Scholar, having pursued research in areas related to public transit systems, health-care analysis, logistics and sports analytics.

He blends that research and administrative background with an exemplary teaching record for which he was awarded the U of S Master Teacher Award in 2015, the university’s highest teaching honour.

“We are very confident in the appointment of Dr. Willoughby to lead the Edwards School of Business,” said Michael Atkinson, interim provost and vice-president academic. “In Keith, we have found an individual who not only has deep connections to the university, but also combines the academic, research, teaching and administrative pedigree that will help the school take its rightful place among the most distinguished business programs in the country.”