St. Lawrence College (SLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Les Casson to the role of Dean, Creative Industries and Brockville campus. Les will begin her new role effective August 31, 2022. The appointment comes after the retirement of Doug Roughton who served SLC for 36 years in numerous roles, including as Brockville Campus Dean since 2010.
An educator and musician, Les joined the SLC faculty in 2007 with expertise teaching writing and communications and has since served in a variety of roles, including professor, program coordinator, academic manager, and associate dean.
As Associate Dean, Les oversaw the expansion of programs in design fields and led the revitalization of the Music & Digital Media program, including the creation of an industry-standard studio space on the Kingston campus. She has fostered relationships with creative industry partners, including the Kingston Film Office, the City of Kingston, and represents SLC on the city’s Creative Industries Working Group and the Heads of Media and Design for Ontario Colleges.
"Les has been a champion for creative industry programming at SLC and has proudly served as the College’s first Associate Dean of Arts, Media, and Design," said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. "Her professional experience in the arts uniquely positions her to lead the growth and development of this new and exciting Creative Industries portfolio, while her leadership experience will serve SLC to support the advancement of the Brockville Campus and community."
Les holds a bachelor's and a master’s degree in English Literature from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Education from Western University. Her teaching career began in high school English and Drama classes in Hamilton, Ontario, and her musical adventures have taken her from basement folk clubs to festivals and concert venues across Canada and the northeastern United States.
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