Kiaras Gharabaghi appointed dean, Faculty of Community Services

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kiaras Gharabaghi as dean, Faculty of Community Services (FCS), effective August 9, 2021. A respected academic leader with over 20 years of experience in community engagement and program development, Kiaras brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. 

Kiaras joined Ryerson in 2006 and became the director of the School of Child and Youth Care in 2014. During his six-year tenure, he oversaw major projects such as the development of additional graduate and undergraduate student placement opportunities, partnerships with Ryerson International to enable students to study abroad, and the School’s graduate program. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Kiaras was also instrumental in the School’s commitment to attracting and hiring more diverse faculty and staff. 

Prior to this, Kiaras served as the FCS Academic Lead for Social Innovation, as well as the John C. Eaton Chair of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. As John C. Eaton Chair, Kiaras launched the FCS Community Transformation Café, an event series offering space for dialogue on transformation and social justice, as well as the Social Innovation 4 Social Justice Project, a five-year program that documented, narrated and disseminated innovations in the social sectors of large urban areas. In partnership with the Chang School, Right to Play (external link)  and an all-Indigenous Steering Committee, Kiaras also played a critical role in securing funding for the implementation of an Indigenous Youth Worker Certificate within FCS. 

Most recently, Kiaras co-launched FCS’ Teri Project, a new virtual placement initiative that seeks to ease loneliness of long-term care residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Over the course of his career and throughout his time at Ryerson, Kiaras has demonstrated a deep commitment to collegiality, a passion for teaching and learning, and the capacity to protect what is valued while also striving for change and transformative initiatives. In 2017, he was awarded the Usha George Faculty Recognition Award for his many achievements. Kiaras holds a doctorate degree from Dalhousie University and a master’s degree from the University of Guelph.

I would like to thank Lisa Barnoff for her exceptional leadership as she completes her term as dean, FCS, as well as the following members of the selection committee for their dedication to this successful search.

Cyndy Baskin
Associate professor, Social Work 

Cristina Catallo
Associate professor, Nursing 

Fatima Fatima
Undergraduate student, Child and Youth Care 

Christa Leeder
Program manager, Early Learning Centre 

Richard Meldrum
Director, School of Occupational and Public Health

Jason Nolan
Associate professor, Early Childhood Studies

Pamela Sugiman
Dean, Faculty of Arts

Karline Wilson-Mitchell
Director, Midwifery Education Program

Please join me in congratulating Kiaras on his appointment and wishing him all the best in this new role. 

Saeed Zolfaghari
Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic