For immediate release
{C}
The Future of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University
METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (October 21, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the appointment of George Verghese as Kwantlen's new Dean, Faculty of Design.
Verghese's career extends over 33 years and his experiences have included teaching as a senior academic, administration, international education, research and practice. For the past 13 years he has made his home at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia where for the last 7 years, he was Course Director of Post-Graduate Design and Senior Lecturer.
Prior to his move to Australia, Verghese was Chair of the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University in Toronto where he also maintained his own interior design practice for 15 years; in 1996, he was a founding member of IDEA (Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association).
Despite being engaged in management and leadership roles over the last ten years, Verghese has also spent time developing an active research profile. He has presented many conference papers, authored book chapters, and has been the recipient of research grants. Most recently, he has been involved in ground-breaking research with a trans-disciplinary team of nurses and midwives, video ethnographers and designers that are looking at the re-design of birthing centers. Another grant has led to research in colour and materiality as it relates to place-making. His Ph.D. research is examining a grounded theoretical approach to understanding the processes that designers engage in when looking at innovation in design.
Verghese is sure to have a major impact on the future of design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
-30-
For more information about Kwantlen's design programs, visit: www.kwantlen.ca/design
For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca