Jason Lisi appointed executive director, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Lisi as executive director, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, effective July 1, 2022. A dedicated academic leader with experience in curriculum and teaching development, Jason joined Ryerson in 2003 and is currently director, Curriculum Quality Assurance. 

Throughout his time at Ryerson, Jason has played a pivotal role in advancing universal design for learning, experiential learning and curriculum renewal. Most recently, he provided integral strategic guidance and feedback to departments and schools at the university regarding new undergraduate program proposals and curriculum modifications. Jason was also instrumental in planning the launch of the Graphic Communication Management program at Universities of Canada in Egypt as part of The Creative School’s programming in Cairo. 

An advocate of equity, diversity and inclusion, Jason commissioned the School of Graphic Communication Management’s first EDI committee, as well as supported the implementation of the School’s first EDI statement in its course syllabi. 

Jason is a professor in the School of Graphic Communication Management, which has informed his approach to pedagogy. In 2020, his contribution to teaching excellence and curriculum development was recognized with his receipt of the Idealliance Circle of Excellence Award (external link)  for his work advancing graphic communications education programs. 

Prior to his most recent appointment, Jason was chair of the School of Graphic Communications Management, an elected member of Ryerson’s Senate, director of the Print Media Research Centre, and the chair of grievance and chief grievance officer for the Ryerson Faculty Association. 

A graduate of Ryerson’s bachelor of technology management program, Jason holds a master of education from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. 

Please join me in congratulating Jason on his appointment. Recruitment for the new director, Curriculum Quality Assurance will begin this month.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Wendy Freeman as she completes her term as the teaching centre’s inaugural executive director. Her unwavering and collaborative leadership not only guided both the teaching centre and community’s move to remote learning during the pandemic, but also led to the centre’s receipt of the President’s Blue and Gold Award in 2021.

Having played a pivotal role in the launch of the centre, Wendy’s commitment to teaching excellence can also be seen in her support of the centre’s new programs for teaching development: the Excellence in Teaching Program, the Teaching Fellows Program, and the Blended Learning Lab. From working collaboratively with units across the university to chairing committees shaping the future teaching and learning environment at Ryerson, Wendy’s leadership has been paramount in building the strategic vision and success of the centre thus far. 

Kelly MacKay
Vice-Provost, Academic