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Vice-President Academic and Provost

Three deans reappointed for second terms in 2025

December 18, 2025

The Provost is pleased to share that three deans were reappointed for second terms following reappointment processes in fall term 2025. UVic deans are normally appointed for five-year terms and may serve up to two terms. Two five-year terms, even if separated by one year of leave, are considered consecutive.

Deans play a crucial role in the academic leadership of the university, ensuring excellence in teaching and research. Deans are responsible for all administrative decisions within their Faculty. Learn more about the role of a Dean.

Thank you to our colleagues for continuing to provide steadfast leadership of their Faculties.

Dr. Annalee Lepp is Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at UVic and a Professor in the Department of Gender Studies. A UVic faculty member since 2001, she has held several academic leadership roles including Chair of Gender Studies, Acting Associate Dean Academic Advising, and Acting Chair of Linguistics. Her research and collaborative work focus on Canadian state policies related to trafficking in persons and irregular cross-border movements, as well as the impacts of anti-trafficking policies on sex workers’ rights in Canada.

As per Dr. Lepp's wishes, she will serve a consecutive two-year term as Dean, effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

Dr. Mina Hoorfar is Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at UVic and a Professor in Mechanical Engineering. An internationally recognized researcher in microfluidics, thermofluidics and sensing technologies, she leads transformative research with real-world applications and is known for her collaborative approach and strong advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM. Dr. Hoorfar joined UVic in 2021 after 15 years at the UBC Okanagan campus.

Dr. Hoorfar intends to take a year of administrative leave following the completion of her first term, as is common practice, and so her second term has been ratified for July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2032.

Dr. Lois Harder is Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UVic and a Professor of Political Science. As Dean, she is committed to advancing Indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability across the social sciences. Dr. Harder’s research and teaching focus on citizenship law, social policy, and the regulation of intimate life. Prior to joining UVic in 2021, she held academic leadership roles at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Harder intends to take six months of administrative leave following the completion of her first term, as is common practice, and so her second term has been ratified for Jan. 1, 2027 to Dec. 31, 2031.

Reappointments were conducted in accordance with UVic's Procedures for the Appointment and Re-appointment of Deans (GV0450).

Thank you to the reappointment committees for their valuable contributions throughout the reappointment processes, and to everyone who attended the public presentations and provided feedback.

View a list of academic leaders