Arts Dean Aoife Mac Namara steps down; Leslie Reid named interim

By Danijela Marcinkovic, March 2 2026—

On Feb. 19, 2026, Dr. Sandra Davidson announced that Dr. Leslie Reid has been appointed Interim Dean of the Faculty of Arts, via the UCalgary website. Reid is set to maintain momentum on key strategic initiatives, including the Arts Renewal. 

Reid was appointed Interim Dean after Dr. Aoife Mac Namara, who served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts since 2022, stepped down from the position. 

Why did Mac Namara step down?

In an email sent by the Office of the Provost, it is stated that Mac Namara has decided to not renew her term as Dean. Instead, she is moving to the role of Special Advisor to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), in order to maintain momentum on the Arts Renewal. In this role, she will “continue to support strategic initiatives and the ongoing transformation of the Faculty of Arts.” 

“It has been a privilege to serve as Dean during such an important period for the Faculty of Arts. I am incredibly proud of the work we have undertaken together, particularly through Arts Renewal. I look forward to continuing to support this work in my new role, ensuring the faculty remains well positioned for success,” Mac Namara states in the email.

Who is Dr. Leslie Reid?

Dr. Reid joined the University of Calgary in 2003 in the Department of Geoscience, and later served as Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Science. From 2017-2023, she served as Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), and this term was extended by six months. During her time as Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) she worked with academic leaders, faculty and students across all faculties. Recently, she has supported the Faculty of Arts through Arts Renewal and related transformational issues.

According to the email, this change in leadership “enables a strategic approach to sustaining progress, supporting renewal and positioning the faculty strongly for its next chapter.”

No further details are provided.