A new Dean of Libraries and University Librarian — Gohar Ashoughian

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gohar Ashoughian as the Dean of Libraries and University Librarian for a five-year term beginning November 15, 2024.

Ms. Ashoughian brings over two decades of experience from a variety of senior leadership roles at several universities both within BC and across Canada, including her most recent role as University Librarian and Archivist at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she has been a transformative force since 2012. Gohar has spearheaded organizational change and strategic planning that have positioned Laurier Library as a hub for learning, research, and cultural engagement. Her strategic vision led to the successful integration of the Wilfrid Laurier University Press (WLUP) and the Robert Langen Art Gallery (RLAG) into the Laurier Library system, a visionary move that ensured sustainability for the university’s cultural resources and enhanced the library's role as a cultural and intellectual centre. One of Gohar’s most significant achievements was the Laurier Library Indigenous Mural Project, completed in 2023 in collaboration with the Laurier Office of Indigenous Initiatives and RLAG. The "One Heart. One Mind. One Vision" mural stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and Indigenous placemaking, a testament to a decade-long advocacy for recognizing and celebrating Indigenous art and culture

Beyond her university roles, Gohar is deeply involved in professional organizations. She currently serves as Vice President/President-Elect of the Ontario Library Association and is a member of the HathiTrust Board of Governors. Additionally, she has held leadership roles on the Ontario Council of University Libraries Executive Committee.

She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership-Higher Education from Western University and holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University, and a Diploma of Higher Education with Distinction from the Armenian State Pedagogical University.

We are thrilled to have Gohar Ashoughian joining us and bringing her leadership abilities to ensure SFU Libraries remains an active partner in the life cycle of research and scholarship, including planning, discovery, knowledge mobilization, and publication. Please join me in welcoming Gohar Ashoughian to SFU and to her new role. 

Gwen Bird will end her term as Dean of Libraries and University Librarian as of Friday, October 11. Since her appointment in 2014, Gwen has led the library team to establish the Media & Maker Commons in Bennett Library, launch and grow the award-winning Community Scholars Program, create the Indigenous Curriculum Resource Centre, and expand student library spaces and research services on all three campuses. Please join me in thanking Gwen for all of her contributions and congratulating her on her many achievements.

Mark Jordan will be stepping in as Dean pro tem from October 12 through November 14th. Many thanks to Mark for providing interim leadership.