William A. Gough

Biography

Professor Gough earned his Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at McGill University, Montreal.  Upon completion of his doctorate in 1991, he joined the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), after a brief postdoctoral fellowship at the Canadian Climate Centre.  Professor Gough is a leading researcher of climate change in the Eastern Arctic, South-Western Ontario and Toronto; including studying climate change impact assessment, numerical ocean and climate modeling, and air quality.  Recently the Canadian Association of Geographers recognized him for Excellence in Teaching, and for Service to Geography, in addition to receiving numerous research funding awards.

Dr. Gough began his term as the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean (UTSC) in July 2016, after serving as Interim Vice-Principal Academic and Dean, Vice-Dean Faculty, and Vice-Dean Graduate Education & Program Development (two terms.)  In addition to his roles in the VP Dean’s Office, Professor Gough served as Governor on U of T’s Governing Council’s Executive, and Elections’, Committees, as well as chairing UTSC’s Campus Council.  He has served on a variety of university committees, including: Joint Programs with Centennial College, Concurrent Teachers Education Program, and the Tri-campus Geography Council, in addition to teaching numerous graduate and undergraduate classes at both the UTSC and St. George campuses.

As the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, Dr. Gough oversees academic and administrative decisions within the portfolio.  The VP Dean provides leadership in academic programming and services, as well as oversight of faculty appointments, promotions, and the development and review of academic departments and centres.  The VP Dean consults with members of the campus on academic direction and policy, and ensures coordination and alignment of U of T Scarborough's academic activities within the broader context of the University of Toronto - working closely withe the Provost, Executives, and Tri-Campus Units.  The VP Dean also manages the academic budget, resolves all high level academic integrity and code issues; as well as taking the lead on crisis and issues management.

For administrative matters pertaining to the VP Dean's portfolio, including scheduling a meeting with the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, contact: Rhonda Martin, Executive Assistant to the VP Dean.

7 Questions with Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, Professor William A. Gough

1. What can you tell us about a project you are currently working on?  Research: I am exploring how subtle changes in day to day surface temperatures reveal the nature of local environments. I have developed a decision tree that determines a local environment solely based on subtle temperature variation.
2. If you had to define yourself in three words, what would they be?  Reflective, empathetic, progressive
3. What do you enjoy most about your role?  Working with others to move great ideas forward.
4. Why U of T Scarborough?  U of T Scarborough is catalytic for our students, faculty, staff and community.
5. What important lesson have you learned in your current role?  I have learned to question my identity as a privileged, white male and how this has influenced my life and how I view others. This has been quite liberating, although I am a work in progress.
6. What is the one thing people likely do not know about you?  I have had a book of poetry published.
7. Which movie, book, or show makes you laugh the most?  I am a big fan of Jane Austen. I find her writing clever, insightful and intentionally funny. “Emma”, for example, is brilliant on many levels.