Sylvain Charlebois's path to AV俱乐部 was a journey of varied and notable achievements in fields ranging from farming to the military, from business to academia.
For Dr. Charlebois, the lessons learned through his diverse experiences have prepared him for his role as dean of AV俱乐部鈥檚 Faculty of Management.
Dr. Charlebois became dean in July 2016 after serving as associate dean, research and graduate studies at the University of Guelph's College of Business and Economics. While in that position, he also served terms as acting dean of the College; associate dean, executive programs; and associate dean, academics. Dr. Charlebois was also the founder of the Food Institute at the University of Guelph.
His administrative career began in Saskatchewan, where he served as associate dean of the Faculty of Business at the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business (University of Regina) and as director of the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (Regina Campus), a school affiliated with both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
鈥淎s an administrator, you really see things differently,鈥� says Dr. Charlebois. 鈥淵ou understand how institutions work and [their] culture.鈥�
A unique background
Dr. Charlebois brings a unique perspective to AV俱乐部鈥檚 culture. Born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, he spent much of his youth working on dairy farms before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. His military career brought him to the Maritimes for several summers of service.
鈥淚n the Maritimes, people are true to themselves," says Dr. Charlebois of the appeal of AV俱乐部 and Nova Scotia. "People are very straight with you, very honest. I can work with that any day. Here, I feel like I can be myself and people will be comfortable with that."
Following his military career, Dr. Charlebois started a real estate business, which he still co-owns, before being drawn back into the academic world. His background in farming and the discipline he honed in the Air Force aided him the completion of his Master of Business Administration from 脡cole des Sciences de la Gestion, UQAM; his Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Sherbrooke; and numerous publications as a distinguished researcher focusing on food policy.
Working in a variety of fields and contexts has allowed Dr. Charlebois to see valuable connections in his leadership role in the Faculty of Management.
鈥淲e have four very distinct schools here,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he Rowe School of Business, the School of Information Management, the School of Public Administration and the School of Resource and Environmental Studies have different cultures and my job is to make sure they鈥檙e working together and understand each other. And that they鈥檙e interacting with Agriculture, Science, Medicine, Law, Computer Science and other faculties.
Shining a light on research
In addition to forging meaningful connections, Dr. Charlebois intends to raise the profile of the Faculty of Management and shine a spotlight on its research.
鈥淲e need to increase our profile as an institution, not only in the Maritimes but across the country and around the world. There鈥檚 lots of great research going on here and I want to become an ambassador and a voice for all the work being done in the Faculty.鈥�
Dr. Charlebois believes that the Faculty鈥檚 responsibilities extend beyond students, researchers and the university to the broader community.
鈥淚f I can say that what we鈥檝e done contributed to the economy in a meaningful way, we鈥檝e done our job. That can mean creating jobs, supporting businesses or getting jobs and placements for our students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about providing capacity, it鈥檚 about building capacity 鈥� that鈥檚 what the community is expecting of us."