As part of the strategic vision for the Faculty outlined in the Academic Plan launched in 2022, Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), recently announced the expansion of the scope of the vice dean of programs position.
The role, held by Associate Professor Ashley Stirling, will now encompass strategic and operational oversight of athletics and physical activity programs for the University of Toronto (U of T) student body and the wider community, alongside continuing responsibility for academic programs and services for KPE students.
“This expansion will foster additional growth opportunities to advance the Faculty’s strategic objectives to be one Faculty, in organizational structure and philosophy, where co-curricular programs align with the academic mission of U of T, and education, research and practice are interconnected in a ‘living lab’ to support our mission of developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about the interactions between physical activity and health,” said Kerr.
“I am grateful to Ashley for her willingness to embrace this expanded scope and have full confidence that her continued contributions will drive an even greater impact.
“On top of forging a successful career as both researcher and academic administrator at KPE, Ashley is also a proud alumna of our Faculty and the Varsity Blues program, and as such truly embodies the spirit of one mission, one vision, one Faculty.”
Stirling has held the position of vice dean of KPE since 2018, with responsibility for the oversight of academic programs and services. During that time, she has overseen the implementation of numerous academic innovations, including the launch of undergraduate certificates, the BKin required course in Indigenous and Black histories in sport and physical activity, and development of a direct-entry PhD program, Master of Arts (MA) program and the forthcoming Master of Sport Sciences (MSS) and Master of Kinesiology (MKin) programs (pending final approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities).
Advancements in student services under her leadership include new and expanded embedded counselling services, and programs such as KINections, a one stop shop for all KPE students to connect and get involved beyond the classroom, KINship Hub, a new initiative for kinesiology students to enrich their understanding of equity, diversity & inclusion, and Passport to Success, designed to support international students.
“I am honoured to take on this expanded role,” said Stirling. “My focus will remain on fostering student success – this includes student-athletes, KPE students and the broad and very diverse community of 100,000 U of T students who have access to our programs – with a special focus on holistic well-being, innovation and inclusion, especially in providing research-informed opportunities and access for underserved and equity-denied groups.”
At KPE, Stirling has worked collaboratively across academic and athletic programs to develop experiential programming that connects teaching, research and practice, including exercise programming for cancer survivors and adapted physical activity programming for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Beyond KPE, Stirling recently chaired a tri-campus working group to develop the University’s first-ever tri-campus undergraduate minor in global leadership. The minor integrates theory and practice and provides a forum for students to engage in curricular and co-curricular experience across disciplines and geographical contexts.
Stirling’s role in advancing experiential education and work-integrated learning has been felt not only at U of T, but across higher education, with her practical guide to work-related learning becoming the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario’s most highly cited resource.
In addition to her work in experiential education and work-integrated learning, Stirling maintains an active research program in safeguarding sport and engages regularly with local, national and international sport organizations to advance healthy safe sport experiences. Her commitment to safe sport experiences drives her research and community engagement, including education development and consultation for the Coaching Association of Ontario, Coaching Association of Canada, Sport Canada, US Child Helpline, and the European Union High-Level Group on Gender Equity.
“Collaboration and partnership are crucial to this expanded role and I look forward to working closely with staff and faculty across KPE and our partners at U of T and in external organizations, as we continue to pursue our collective vision to advance healthy living,” said Stirling.