On the recommendation of Dean Jane Philpott, President and Vice President (Academic Affairs) Matthew Evans has appointed Dr. Roger Pilon as Associate Dean (Health Sciences) and Dean of Nursing for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2024.
Dean Philpot would like to extend his sincere gratitude to Dr. Elna Snelgrove Clark who has served in this role for the past five years. Her leadership, passion and pursuit of excellence have contributed to the strengthening of the school, as well as its student and faculty numbers. It has become more inclusive and welcoming, with a focus on student wellbeing and achievement, and has helped to improve its national reputation.
Dr. Pilon joined the faculty as an Associate Professor in 2021 and continued her clinical practice as a Primary Health Care Nurse in the Student Wellness Service. Prior to joining Queen's Health Sciences (QHS), Dr. Pilon served as Dean of the School of Nursing at Laurentian University. Most recently, she served as Acting Associate Dean (Health Sciences) and Dean of Nursing, and Associate Dean of Graduate Master's Programs at QHS.
Dr. Pilon completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Laurentian University, then furthered her education in Outpost and Community Health Nursing at Dalhousie University, where she was one of the first in Ontario to complete Laurentian’s Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Certification Program. She then went on to complete her Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Laurentian, specializing in rural and northern community health.
In his clinical and research work, he has focused on advancing the decolonization of Indigenous health, particularly type 2 diabetes care. Dr. Pilon has also led several community-focused initiatives since arriving at Queen's University, including Periwinkle Health Home and the Well Baby Care Clinic. He maintains close ties with Indigenous communities on the north shore of Lake Huron and frequently collaborates with colleagues at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and McMaster University on Indigenous health research related to type 2 diabetes, dementia care, and intimate partner violence.
He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Ontario Council of Nursing Programs in 2021 and has taught and designed several courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. He is a Canadian Certified Nurse Educator and a highly respected and caring teacher.
Please join Dean Philpot in congratulating Dr. Pilon on his appointment.
