USask appoints new dean in College of Agriculture and Bioresources

Bedard-Haughn will begin a five-year term on Aug. 15, 2020.    

“I’m really excited to serve the AgBio community in this new role,” said Bedard-Haughn, who is currently the associate dean of research and graduate studies at the college, and former department head and graduate chair in soil science.  

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Bedard-Haughn received her Bachelor of Science in 1998 and Master of Science in 2001 from USask, and a PhD in 2004 from the University of California, Davis.  

She specializes in soil science research, focusing on two main areas: management of wetland soils and predictive soil mapping. Her notable research program has been supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, the Global Institute for Water Security, Environment Canada and several industry groups. She has also been active in experiential training, teaching field courses on soil and landscape classification at both undergraduate and graduate levels.   

“We are lucky to have such an enthusiastic and engaged group of students, faculty, staff and stakeholders,” said Bedard-Haughn. “I hope to ensure that we are providing the training and research that the community needs, both here at home and around the world.”  

In addition to serving as vice-chair of the Planning and Priorities Committee of University Council, Bedard-Haughn has extensive experience on multiple committees at both college and university levels.  

“The impact of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources to this university, our province and country as well as the world is incredibly high,” said Tony Vannelli, USask provost and vice-president academic. “We are delighted that Dr. Bedard-Haughn will be the next dean of the college and continue to maintain the strong momentum that the college has as it pursues new opportunities in the years to come.” 

Bedard-Haughn will replace Mary Buhr, who has served as dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources since July 1, 2009.