Charles Falzon reappointed dean, Faculty of Communication & Design, for five-year term

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Charles Falzon as Ryerson University’s dean, Faculty of Communication & Design (FCAD) for a five-year term. A highly respected leader, professor, creative producer and media executive, Charles joined Ryerson in 2010 and brings a wealth of experience to this role. His new term is effective July 1, 2020.

FCAD’s success is built on the reputation and energy of its students, faculty and staff, and Charles has been instrumental in guiding significant curriculum reform since he was appointed dean in 2015. His focus on the student experience, which is underscored by a clear vision of how to push the boundaries of creative exploration, has firmly established FCAD as a global leader across multiple industries.

Under Charles’ direction and with the support of his dedicated team, FCAD’s nine prestigious schools – many of which are leaders in their fields – continue to see forward momentum due to the faculty’s increasingly unified culture and intentional EDI strategy, as well as its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to program delivery. In addition, Charles’ commitment to SRC excellence has resulted in a number of strategic collaborations with such acclaimed organizations as Cirque du Soleil, Google and the Toronto Arts Council.

Further, FCAD has developed several unique interdisciplinary hubs, including The Catalyst, the Creative Innovation Studio and the Creative Technology Lab, and has launched RUBIX, a popular annual scholarly, research and creative (SRC) showcase. Also of note is the faculty’s international strategy, which has enriched the student experience with the launch of unique FCAD initiatives in Cortona, Italy; Dubai, UAE; and London, England.

Charles’ contribution to the creative industries sector has been recognized many times locally, nationally and internationally; he has been the recipient of numerous awards, including several Geminis, a Canadian Screen award and an international Emmy nomination. Prior to Ryerson, Charles was the president of Gullane Entertainment PLC, a multinational public company where he was globally responsible for the management and production of such properties as Thomas the Tank Engine and Guinness World Records.

A graduate of Ryerson’s Radio and Television Arts undergraduate program, Charles holds a master’s in theology (moral philosophy) from the University of Toronto and a master’s in spirituality from Regis College. He teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels with a focus on media ethics and media business.

Please join me in congratulating Charles on his reappointment. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the students, faculty and staff who served so generously on the committee for this position, and whose contributions led to this successful search.

Michael Benarroch
Provost and Vice-President, Academic