Pamela Gravestock, a loyal and lifelong citizen of the University of Toronto, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Gravestock, who most recently served as the Director of Teaching Support & Faculty Development in the Faculty of Arts & Science, will be remembered as a great friend of the Faculty and the University.
Gravestock started her lifelong association with the University as an undergrad in Victoria College at 17. She went on to complete graduate degrees in history and art history, and her PhD in Higher Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. In addition to her administrative role, for the last 10 years she taught a course about the University in Canada in the Canadian Studies program at University College.
During her time at A&S, Gravestock built the Teaching and Learning team within the Dean’s Office as its inaugural director. Gravestock — who was recognized as a national expert in assessing pedagogical effectiveness and the tenure process — was profiled in University Affairs in 2013. As a senior administrator, she brought gravitas and dedication to supporting faculty members and academic units in a variety of key areas, including course and curriculum development, new faculty orientation and faculty development, teaching awards and funding programs. She was instrumental in creating a community of practice for instructors to share teaching practices across disciplines.
She was an enthusiastic partner on new initiatives to support career connections for students and alumni, including service on the steering committee for the annual Next Steps Conference for Arts & Science undergraduate students and recent graduates, as well as directing the Milestones & Pathways program for graduate students.
Prior to joining the Faculty in 2015, she played a key role as Associate Director of the University’s Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation. As a leader of the centre since its inception — and as a key member of the University’s previous Office of Teaching Advancement — Gravestock was involved in multiple strategic initiatives to enhance teaching excellence across U of T, including the establishment of the President’s Teaching Award.
Gravestock was a devoted mother to her son Elias and a loving partner to David MacKinnon. She adored travel, music, maps, art and antiques, and she was passionate about making Toronto a better place to live, work and play.
A wonderful mentor to many, Gravestock will be fondly remembered for her wit, her warmth, and her collegiality.
Those interested in making a donation to the Pamela Gravestock Memorial Fund may contact Richard DeLisle in the Advancement Office at r.delisle@utoronto.ca or make a gift online.