YSGPS salutes Dr. Cory Searcy for outstanding leadership
Dr. Cory Searcy will oversee strategies for the TMU Global and International Student Enrolment, Education and Inclusion departments under one umbrella as assistant vice-president, International.
As Dr. Cory Searcy begins his new appointment as Assistant Vice-President, International, the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS) recognizes his outstanding leadership during his term as Vice-Provost and Dean.
A student-focused and team-oriented leader, Cory oversaw graduate expansion, the first strategic enrolment management plan, new university-wide graduate scholarships, policy development and other matters related to more than 65 graduate programs. He advocated for and implemented TMU graduate excellence scholarships and fourth-year PhD funding, and contributed to a new framework for financially supporting international graduate students.
Cory led the creation of the first overarching administrative and community home for postdocs, and the establishment of the Academic Lead, Postdoctoral Fellows, to support their academic success. He also spearheaded the unit’s recent name change to YSGPS to recognize the importance of postdoctoral fellows to TMU’s scholarly, research and creative activity goals.
To advance the Standing Strong Task Force Report recommendations, Cory supported the introduction and continuation of the Black and Indigenous Graduate Student Awards, and the YSGS Framework for Truth and Reconciliation.
Cory’s thorough leadership, patience and great sense of humour were especially appreciated by his colleagues during the challenging times of the pandemic. Pivoting quickly, he developed a continuity plan to ensure seamless delivery of graduate academic and administrative services, and an early hybrid work plan to facilitate a smooth return to campus for employees.
YSGPS thanks Cory for his exceptional service and dedication to graduate and postdoc success as Vice-Provost and Dean, and previously as Associate Dean, Programs, and Graduate Program Director, and wishes him all the best in his new role with TMU Global and International Student Enrolment, Education and Inclusion.
Dr. Carl Kumaradas, Associate Dean, Programs, will serve as acting vice-provost and dean, YSGPS, until the interim vice-provost and dean is appointed.