��AV appoints new Dean, School of Public Safety

Most recently served as a program director in the Emergency Management Division

The ��AV (��AV) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Blackburn as its new Dean, School of Public Safety, effective July 14.

“I am honoured to help shape the future of the School of Public Safety,” said Blackburn. “I look forward to building on its strong programs in areas such as firefighting and emergency management, whose students can make a difference in their communities each and every day.”

Blackburn joined ��AV in 2007 as a coordinator in the Emergency Management Division, becoming a program manager in 2012 and a program director in 2017. Prior to ��AV, he worked as a project manager in corporate security and as a council field executive with Scouts Canada.

Darren Blackburn has been appointed ��AV's new Dean for the School of Public Safety.

He has contributed to research in areas such as critical infrastructure assessment, mass care frameworks, and the professionalization of public safety practitioners. He also serves on the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management.

“Darren brings to his new role a collaborative, student-centred approach to leadership, as well as a wealth of experience with credential programs, contract training, exercise design,and applied research,” said Interim Vice-President, Academic Sarah Wareing. “With these strengths, he will be well-positioned to help grow the school’s program offerings, keeping them current with real-world applications.”

Blackburn holds a Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology from Trent University, a Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies from Athabasca University, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute. He is currently a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of British Columbia.

In 2014, Mr. Blackburn was recognized with the Award of Excellence in Applied Research from ��AV, and in 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his work in emergency management.

Blackburn said his longer-term priorities include developing new micro-credential programs, supporting program redevelopment to incorporate recommendations from recent program reviews, and engaging staff in Indigenization efforts and in supporting ��AV’s recently-adopted equity, diversity and inclusion plan.

“I’ll know I’m doing my job well if we continue to make ��AV a great place for our students, partners, clients, faculty, and staff.”