James Currie

James Currie, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD
Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance

Since becoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in 1988, Dr. James Currie has made an immense contribution to self-governance at The University of Winnipeg, serving on committees and administrative bodies at all levels. He has held the roles of Department Chair, Associate Dean of Science, Dean of Science, Acting Dean of Graduate Studies, Acting Dean of Kinesiology, Deputy Provost, and now Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

Currie models the belief that good academic self-governance requires strong scholars to accept service in administrative roles. As an administrator, he has continued NSERC-funded research, supervision of student researchers and post-doctoral fellows, and work in course development and classroom teaching.

Currie was Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics from 1999-2004. When he began, the department consisted of 10 members. It grew in size to 16 members, by end of his second term (2009-2010). The department is currently notable for its diversity, and for the high percentage of its researchers holding NSERC funding. While leading the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Currie worked with the Department of Biology on a joint peer-tutoring study that led to the Math & Science Tutoring Centre. Currie initiated cooperation with the Department of Physics on quantum computing that helped lead to UWinnipeg’s ongoing connection with Ontario’s Perimeter Institute.

In 2010, Currie became Associate Dean of Science and a voice for the academic core amidst rapid campus change and expansion. He enabled a smooth transition for departments of the Faculty of Science, as they moved into the new Richardson College for Environment & Science Complex. Later, as Dean, Currie continued to emphasize the academic voice.

In 2016-17, as Deputy Provost, Currie spearheaded changes reducing administrators on committees such as Academic Planning and Senate Executive, increasing faculty participation on Senate committees. He also facilitated new leadership in Student Services and the English Language Program, better connecting these units to the academic core. In recent years, Currie has worked to strengthen units such as the Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health, Global College, and the Oral History Centre.

For his longstanding excellent institutional service in a variety of capacities, The University of Winnipeg is proud to present Dr. James Currie with the Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance.