Lynne-Marie Postovit commits to bettering research at Queen’s.
Postovit began her five-year term as vice-provost (academic affairs) at Queen’s on Jan. 1, transitioning from being head of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences.
Her new role focuses on enhancing the University’s research output by setting standards and managing initiatives.
According to the Gazette, Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs), Postovit will drive the University’s academic development. Her responsibilities include overseeing academic appointments, tenure, and promotion processes while emphasizing research standards and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The creation of this position coincides with the retirement of Deputy Provost Teri Shearer at the end of 2024. Responsibilities previously held by Shearer, including equity-related initiatives, will be partially transitioned to Postovit.
READ MORE: Deputy Provost Teri Shearer announces retirement after almost three decades at Queen’s
Postovit’s connection to the University dates back to her PhD studies in anatomy and cell biology. After leaving Kingston to pursue additional studies, she returned to Queen’s in 2019 as head of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, which was driven by a sense of respect for the institution and a need to give back to the community that fostered her academic growth.
In an interview with The Journal, she credited the role as head of the department, preparing her for her current position through its focus on balancing research, education, and management responsibilities.
“There’s sort of a sense of independence and creativity and a little bit of a zeal that is unique to Queen’s, and I think that’s [the independence and creativity is] really special,” Postovit said in an interview with The Journal.
One of her main priorities during her term is enhancing and expanding the research system at Queen’s. She emphasized the importance of improving research practices not only for the benefit of scholars but also for students and society at large.
“How can we do [research] better? I think it will benefit our scholars, and it’ll also massively benefit our students and society,” Postovit said. “This is a wonderful, privileged place, and we’re all here to help make the world a better place.”
When asked about addressing challenges, Postovit highlighted the importance of finding common ground to promote unity. She emphasized that her approach, especially in the early stages of her tenure, will focus on engaging with and listening to students and staff.
This commitment aims to identify and understand necessary changes while preserving positive aspects of Queen’s research, such as the high level of research opportunities available to students.
When asked about addressing challenges, Postovit highlighted the importance of finding common ground to promote unity. She emphasized that her approach, especially in the early stages of her tenure, will focus on engaging with and listening to students and staff. This commitment aims to identify and understand necessary changes while preserving positive aspects of Queen’s research, such as the high level of research opportunities available to students.
“Looking at listening for the first little while, I think it’s important to address morale and bringing sort of positivity […] to preserve the really great aspects of the school and allow us to really sort of flourish,” Postovit said.
Postovit began her teaching career in anatomy and cell biology at Western University in 2007 after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to contribute to a project commissioned by the Canadian Council of Academies. In this role, she represented young women in health sciences and conducted research to identify the barriers women face while pursuing research careers within academia.
Postovit credits this work with helping her understand the importance of listening and giving her a deeper understanding of equity in research.
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Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs)
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