Interim Dean Dr. Beth Bilson

Dr. Beth Bilson, Q.C., joined the College of Education on January 18 as interim dean for a one-year term.

Dr. Bilson has a longstanding history at the University of Saskatchewan, holding bachelor's, master's and law degrees from here, followed by a PhD from the University of London. Dr. Bilson began teaching law at USask in 1979 and 20 years later was named the first female dean of the college, a role she filled three times throughout her career. Her extensive resume also includes serving as the first female chair of the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board. 

A teaching trailblazer dedicated to supporting the advancement of women in academics and the legal profession, Dr. Bilson has been a role model and mentor for young female students and staff on and off campus for years.

A highly regarded scholar and extensively published expert in administrative and labour law, she has earned a number of honours and distinctions throughout her career, including the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 2014 and the Canadian Bar Association Louis St. Laurent Award of Excellence in 2015. She was awarded the designation of Queen’s Counsel for Saskatchewan in 2000. As dean, she led the creation and implementation of the College of Law’s first strategic plan, while also contributing off campus when she was appointed chair of the federal task force on pay equity in 2000.

Dr. Bilson's wealth of institutional knowledge served her well working in university governance as University Secretary through to 2019. 

She has enjoyed her roles as faculty and administrator and is looking forward to working with College of Education faculty, staff and students throughout the year ahead.