Professor Bill Gough may be closing one chapter in his tenure at U of T Scarborough, but he isn’t saying goodbye to the campus just yet. After eight years as vice-principal academic and dean, he is returning to his first loves — research and teaching — once his term ends on June 30.
During his tenure, Gough has championed a more inclusive university by guiding a thorough curriculum review focusing on the knowledge and perspectives of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities. He also helped the campus navigate the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic when teaching and learning had to immediately pivot online.
He will resume his research and teaching in the areas of climate change and air quality in the department of physical and environmental sciences in 2025.
Antonella Lombardi spoke to Gough about his proudest accomplishments in his role as vice-principal and his personal message to students.
On a personal level, how are you feeling now that your time as vice-principal academic and dean is nearing its end?
I am proud of the steps we have made in the dean’s office and as a campus. Access to education is central to my philosophy about higher education and I am pleased at the work we have done in creating new pathways for students who come from populations that have not always felt welcome or experienced a sense of belonging once they arrived at university.
The response to the Curricular Working Circle report and its recommendations is transforming our curriculum in ways that will support a greater sense of belonging. At the same time we remained committed to our Pathway to Parity initiative, which is aiming to bring representation of Black and Indigenous faculty to reflect that of the GTA and Canada. These are all works in progress.
I also grew a lot while in this role, unearthing the false foundations of privilege that has characterized my life. I, too, am a ‘work in progress.’
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment in the role?
Fostering a broader sense of community for those who traditionally have not felt welcomed in university is what I am most proud of. At the same time, I recognize much work is still needed.
Being the academic lead during the COVID-19 pandemic also provided an opportunity to be creative, supportive and empathetic. I led a wonderful team that I believe navigated unprecedented waters in a way that supported our academic mission while also calibrating carefully to the needs of students, staff and faculty.
What is your advice for the incoming vice-principal academic and dean?
It’s all about establishing good relationships. Invest the time. The investment in nurturing good relationships is always the right thing to do and there are many unanticipated dividends.
Do you have a personal message for students?
Your education, with all the knowledge and the skills that come with it, will transform your life in wonderful ways. It has the potential to transform your family, your community and the world, but you need to be intentional in being a good citizen and let your talents and knowledge benefit others. The opportunities for this are always available, so I urge you to pursue them.
What is next for you?
I try not to outline too much. So far in my career that has not worked. At every stage, opportunities to grow as an academic and as person have unfolded in important ways. I am looking forward to returning more fulsomely to my research program and to the classroom. These are my ‘first loves’ and I am excited to return to them full time.