Carla Cassidy

English, Dutch

At the time of her death (30 September 2022), Dr. Carla Cassidy was Professor Emerita in the Department of Politics and Public Administration, where she held an academic appointment for 33 years.  She was Interim Vice President Research and Innovation (2010-11), Dean of the Faculty of Arts (2001-2010), and Chair of the Department of Politics and Public Administration (1996-2001).

Dr. Cassidy received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from York University and her Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from McMaster University , where she studied Political Philosophy.

As Department Chair, Dr. Cassidy developed the partnership (opens in new window)  between the Department and the First Nations Technical Institute in Tyendinega that delivers the BA in Public Administration and Governance to First Nations administrators in various locations across Ontario.

As Dean, she ushered in nine (9) undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Arts, as well as many of the existing graduate programs.  She also participated actively in the fundraising for, and setup of, the Chair in Indigenous Governance and the Centre for Indigenous Governance. 

As VPRI, Dr. Cassidy continued her commitment to work with First Nations to provide post-secondary education in First Nations communities, and continued to teach in the partnership as she held administrative positions in the University.

Some of Dr. Cassidy's many contributions to Ryerson University were recognised in 2013 (March 6 luncheon and April 4 Ryerson Awards Night) when she received the Errol Aspevig Award for Outstanding Academic Leadership.

On 06 May 2015, Carla Cassidy received the inaugural Dean's Excellence Award for Leadership.

Upon Dr. Cassidy’s passing, the Faculty of Arts created a tribute page.

Those interested in honouring her legacy are asked to donate to the Carla Cassidy Award, which recognizes an eligible fourth year student enrolled in a full-time Arts program with the highest CGPA across the Faculty of Arts through 6 semesters of study; and who demonstrates financial need.  To donate, go to the secure online donation form; scroll down to the section entitled “Direct your Donation”; in the section “Please select the area you would like to support” select “Named Awards” from the drop-down menu.  The page will refresh and a new cell will appear entitled “Please select the award you would like to support.”  Select “Carla Cassidy Award” from the drop-down menu.