Since joining Western as Dean in 2021, Kotsopoulos has overseen tremendous success across the Faculty of Education
Donna Kotsopoulos reappointed Dean, Faculty of Education
We are delighted to share that Donna Kotsopoulos has been reappointed Dean, Faculty of Education for a second term, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
Drawing on feedback from the Faculty of Education, along with input from community and campus partners, the recommendation for Donna’s reappointment was unanimously advanced by the Faculty of Education Decanal Review Committee and supported by Western University President Alan Shepard.
Since joining Western as Dean in 2021, Kotsopoulos has overseen tremendous success across the Faculty of Education. Her commitment to excellence, facilitated by a data-driven approach, has resulted in a rise in several impressive national and international rankings that reflect Western’s reputation as an institution focused on driving positive impact. The Faculty of Education is now among the top-ranked education faculties in Canada and internationally.
While guiding the Faculty safely through the challenges of the pandemic, Kotsopoulos also oversaw the development of Canada’s first Faculty of Education strategic plan that links directly to the UN Sustainability Development Goals. Recently, the Faculty of Education was the first in Canada to launch a new open-access resource platform, OpenEdu, where resources developed by faculty can be shared throughout the world at no cost. By engaging the Faculty around a shared vision and focusing on building trust, Kotsopoulos’ leadership has curated a culture shift, as shown through significantly improved employee survey results.
Kotsopoulos has outlined a number of ambitious goals for her second term. She will remain focused on growing the faculty complement, reconciliation, advancing the Faculty’s world-class impact in research and teaching, and ensuring future financial sustainability through strategic resource management. Responding to the evolving demographic of students and the changing landscape of the education system, Kotsopoulos has also signalled the need for innovative thinking about new programs while re-envisioning those traditionally offered in the Faculty of Education. With construction underway for the new home of the renowned Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic, Kotsopoulos will work to advance the impact of this community-facing clinic that supports child and youth wellness.
Previously a Professor of Management and Organizational Studies at Huron University College before assuming the role of Dean, Kotsopoulos holds a cross-appointment with DAN Management in the Faculty of Social Science. Kotsopoulos is also the president of Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) and serves on the boards of both the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences and the Executive of the Ontario Association of Deans of Education. She continues to be an active scholar, holding external funding and supervising student research assistants/associates.
Kotsopoulos is a tremendously proud Western alum having earned her MEd and PhD in Educational Studies from Western.
