Bits and pieces from the world of FIMS

Thomas Carmichael re-appointed as Dean
In October 2011, the Office of the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) announced that Dr. Thomas Carmichael has been re-appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Information & Media Studies.  Dr. Carmichael has been at the helm of FIMS since July 2007, overseeing the continued growth and expansion of the Faculty’s existing graduate and undergraduate programs, as well as the addition of new graduate options in Popular Music & Culture, and Health Information Science.  Dr. Carmichael’s first term will conclude June 30, 2012, with his second term beginning July 1, 2012.

Sandra Smeltzer among “Top 25” influential women
Associate Professor Sandra Smeltzer has been revealed as one of Women of Influence Magazine's "Top 25" for 2011.  The "Top 25" ranking is meant to provide national recognition to Canadian women of influence, whose work and achievements contribute to Canadian and global economies and communities on a local, national and international scale.

Journalism program receives media award
The FIMS Journalism program was recently selected to receive the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association 2011 Media Award.  The honour is related to a project carried out by Lecturer Meredith Levine's Health and Medical Journalism class in May, 2011. Titled "A Good Death", students in the class produced a series of articles discussing the state of palliative care in Canada.  The series, which was co-produced by the CBC, was featured on CBC.ca.

Diane Neal named Director-at-Large with ASIS&T
Assistant Professor Diane Neal will serve as one of six elected Directors-at-Large for the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) between 2012-2014.  Professor Neal has been professionally involved with ASIS&T since 2001, but identifies this latest honour as a highlight of her career. "Apart from finishing my PhD and getting a faculty position at Western, winning this election is the most meaningful thing that has happened in my career so far. I look forward to fulfilling my duties as Director-at-Large representing the best interests of ASIS&T members worldwide with integrity and professionalism," says Neal.