Erik Kwakkel Appointed New Director of UBC iSchool

April 13, 2020

The University of British Columbia last week announced the appointment of Erik Kwakkel as Director of the School of Information (iSchool) for a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2020. He will succeed Luanne Freund who has served as Director for the past five years.

Dr. Erik Kwakkel appointed as UBC iSchool Director

Gage Averill, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, has announced the appointment of Dr. Erik Kwakkel as the next Director of the School of Information for a three-year term, from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023.

“I look forward to working with Dr. Kwakkel as he takes up his leadership post this summer and embarks upon the important work of furthering engagement with all faculty, staff, and students to build upon the School’s considerable achievements and to work toward the development of a collective vision.” – Dean Gage Averill

Dr. Erik Kwakkel joined UBC in August 2018, at the rank of Professor in the School of Information where he teaches the History of the Book. His research interests are related to the script and material design of medieval manuscripts. He has published several monographs and edited volumes devoted to the culture of the medieval book, including The European Book in the Twelfth Century and Books Before Print, a textbook for undergraduate teaching. Dr. Kwakkel currently serves as a member of the iSchool’s Leadership Committee and the Doctoral Studies Committee.

“I’m incredibly excited to work with faculty, staff and students in my upcoming role as Director, and to work to further advance the inspiring community we are all part of. I am thankful for the trust put in me with this appointment, and am grateful to Luanne Freund, our current Director, for her years of dedication and service to the School.” – Dr. Erik Kwakkel

Dean Averill has also acknowledged and thanked Dr. Luanne Freund for her thoughtful contributions as part of the Faculty’s Heads and Directors group and for her service in leadership of the School these past five years.

Congratulations Dr. Kwakkel, we wish you all the best in this new role.

(Via UBC iSchool)