During his tenure, in 2019 the institution transitioned from a college to a university. Other pivotal initiatives include the development of the institution’s first MFA in Craft Media (a first in Canada), and the establishment of the indigenous resource centre the “Lodgepole Center.” These initiatives continue to propel the institution towards its centennial in 2026.
Dr. Doz’s vision for the university’s future identifies AUArts as an Educational Leader, as an Academic Leader, and as a Community Builder. His views on the essential and unique role AUArts must play in contributing to economic, social, and cultural prosperity – the three elements of any healthy community - are helping position AUArts towards leadership on a provincial, national, and international scale.
Dr. Doz is a staunch supporter and collector of the amazing work produced by AUArts students. Over the years he created series of annual events that showcase the depth and diversity of exploration and creativity exhibited every day by the students. This ranged from cups/mugs and bowls used by the Board of Governors to water pitchers to reduce the use of plastic bottles at meetings, to an Annual Student Art Exhibition displayed through the administrative offices – a yearlong event showcasing more than 100 unique pieces of artwork.
Born in Montreal and educated in France, Dr. Doz possess a wide range of academic experiences that spans several disciplines including art, cinema, photography, theatre, and architecture. He holds a Doctorate in Theatrical and Cinematographic Studies from the Université de Paris-VIII and is licensed as an architect by the French government. His scholarly, research and creative activities have been focused on the thematic interplay between cinema, photography, and architecture. His photographs have been published and his photographic work has been presented in solo and group exhibits throughout the U.S. and France. His research on film and design has led to presentations at numerous institutions in North America and Europe. His teaching is complemented by his passion for internationalization, and over the years as a faculty he led several major international study tours. Of note, one tour over a full semester, took 40 students around the world, from Europe to North-Africa, then to Southeast Asia and on to South America.
In 2022, Dr. Doz received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. In 2021 he was appointed by the French Government to the prestigious rank of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms). In 2013 he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.