Respected academic, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Matthew Letts has been appointed to a second term as Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Lethbridge. Letts, who first assumed the role in 2020, will begin his second term on July 1, 2025.
Letts is a professor of geography and environment, and holds a BA and BSc (Honours) from Queen’s University, a MSc in geography from McGill University and a PhD from King’s College London. An ecologist with international experience, he served as a lecturer at Trent University before joining the University of Lethbridge in 2003.
Prior to taking on the role of dean, Letts was interim dean from July 2019 and had previously served as associate dean since 2012. During this time, he also acted as interim associate vice-president (research) from 2014 to 2015. From 2016 to 2019, Letts served as the academic program director for the Destination Project, playing a key role in the creation of the University’s Science Commons (Isttaniokaksini).
As dean, Letts applied a collaborative approach to effectively navigating budgetary challenges and the impacts of the pandemic. He champions innovative programs across the humanities, social sciences and sciences, from certificates to post-diploma and dual degree options and new transdisciplinary degree programs and is always keen to support experiential learning. His detailed knowledge of the Science Commons was instrumental in supporting the effective operationalization of the new facility for faculty and students. Looking forward, one of his main priorities will be to work with faculty, students and the University community on creating a strategic plan for the Faculty of Arts & Science.
"Dr. Letts has been a key figure in elevating the impact and reputation of the Faculty of Arts & Science and the University," says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “He is a collaborative leader who cares deeply and advocates strongly for his Faculty, while also making significant contributions to larger institutional initiatives. I am thrilled to reappoint him for a second term, allowing us to sustain the forward momentum he has generated through his work with his arts and science colleagues."
“I also want to thank the Review Committee for its important work in the reappointment process,” says Helstein. “Today’s reappointment was only made possible through community feedback and committee contributions, and I appreciate all who were a part of the process.”