UNews - Erasmus Okine

Top Alberta high school students earn Chinook Scholarships

trevor.kenney — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:57:34 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will welcome six of the province’s top high school graduates to campus this fall as recipients of the $5,000 Chinook Scholarship, ULethbridge’s most prestigious high school entrance award.

These outstanding students from the communities of Airdrie, Coaldale, Cochrane and Lethbridge earned Chinook Scholarships from a field of outstanding applicants. All ULethbridge-bound high school students are eligible to apply for the Chinook Scholarship, which recognizes those who have demonstrated superior academic achievement (minimum 85 per cent admission average) and leadership qualities.

This year’s Chinook Scholarship recipients are Madison Hansen (Bert Church High School, Airdrie), Rachel Jensen (W.H. Croxford High School, Airdrie), Abigail Giacchetta (Kate Andrews High School, Coaldale), Janelle Saltvold (Cochrane High School, Cochrane), Kaytrin Irwin (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge) and Madison Tsui (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge).

The award recipients were selected by a committee based on a submitted student essay, references, academic excellence and leadership experience.

“The commitment these students have shown to their studies, their classmates and their communities throughout their high school careers is impressive,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “They have shown they are among the brightest young minds in the province, with an aptitude for leadership and service. We are excited to welcome them as part of our vibrant campus community and look forward to seeing the avenues they will explore throughout their post-secondary journeys.”

Following is a brief synopsis of the winners.

Madison Hansen, Bert Church High School, Airdrie

Madison Hansen

Intended area of study: General Sciences and Education

• Team captain for high school basketball, soccer and volleyball teams, she also volunteered to coach boys’ basketball and volleyball

• Volunteered as a math tutor for fellow students and was president of the High School Grad Committee

• Volunteered for the Summit Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis

QUOTE — “I feel honoured to be selected as a recipient of the Chinook Scholarship. The award serves as validation of the hard work, dedication and abilities demonstrated in my high school career as well as acknowledges the importance of being a leader in both the community and in school. The award represents the start of a strong foundation for my future academic and personal growth. I am excited to attend ULethbridge in the fall to start a new chapter in my life and look forward to the opportunity to meet new people, participate in extracurricular activities and further my education.”

Rachel Jensen, W.H. Croxford High School, Airdrie

Rachel Jensen

Intended area of study: Combined degree in English and Education

• Served as a recreation volunteer and leader with the City of Airdrie

• Student Manager, Leadership, W.H. Croxford High School, as well as student leader in Movement for Mental Health

• Junior counsellor for Rotary Youth Club and holds two jobs outside of school

QUOTE — “This award means not only financial relief while I’m going into a new field of study in the fall, but it allows me to further apply myself whilst doing so. I am so grateful for such an amazing opportunity, and it really makes all the hard work worth it. I am very excited for the fresh start Lethbridge brings, as well as getting to apply myself in two fields of study where I hold passion. Beyond that, there are so many new people to meet, opportunities to explore and a school culture I cannot wait to immerse myself in!”

Abigail Giacchetta, Kate Andrews High School, Coaldale

Abigail Giacchetta

Intended area of study: Neuroscience

• First chair in both jazz band and concert band, as well as second chair in honour band

• Co-President of Kate Andrews Student Council and Youth-Do volunteer, board member for the Rachael Thomas Youth Advisory Board and Everactive Schools Advisory Board

• Passionate about research, goal is to attend medical school

QUOTE — “I am incredibly honoured to have been recognized for my leadership work within my community and awarded this prestigious scholarship. It has helped boost my confidence, and I am energized to continue my volunteering and leadership at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. I am so excited to meet new individuals with the same goals and aspirations as myself. Joining new clubs and stepping out of my comfort zone are wonderful ways to better experience university life. I have always been interested in neuroscience, so I was incredibly happy to have been accepted into the program and I cannot wait to meet the amazing individuals there and learn about topics I enjoy.”

Janelle Saltvold, Cochrane High School, Cochrane

Janelle Saltvold

Intended area of study: Biological Sciences

• Section leader with the Cochrane High School band and student leader with choir, as well as a member of the Cochrane High School Interact Club

• Volunteered as a camp councillor for Wilderness Ranch Camp and served as a voluntary leader at Vacation Bible School for Brooks Trinity Lutheran Church

• A youth ambassador for the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund

QUOTE — “I am so grateful for this award! Not only will it significantly contribute to my university fees, but it also helped me to reflect on the importance of leadership and boosted my confidence. Thank you so very much. I am excited to be attending a school with smaller class sizes that will allow me to ask my teachers questions, while still having lots of opportunities to discover more with the many resources and knowledgeable people available. I am also excited to study on such a beautiful campus and to meet new people.”

Kaytrin Irwin, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge

Kaytrin Irwin

Intended area of study: Psychology and Chemistry

• Member of National Honor Society

• Volunteered at a naturopathic medical clinic and Lethbridge Humane Society, as well as LCI Lifeskills Bottle Recycling program

• Coach with City of Lethbridge Learn-to-Skate program

QUOTE — “This award brings recognition to all my academic accomplishments over the years. It brings me pride and eases much of my financial anxiety that comes with wanting to attend post-secondary. I am so fortunate to have been chosen for this award as I am now able to begin my studies with confidence and anticipation. I am excited to attend ULethbridge for many reasons, some being the amazing facilities and community I’ve been told about from both previous and current students and staff.”

Madison Tsui, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge

Madison Tsui

Intended area of study: General Sciences

• An Ecclesiastical Youth Group President, she participated in several volunteer and service projects, including service to seniors, community clean-up programs, charitable drives and fundraising initiatives

• Volunteered as a respite caregiver

QUOTE — “I am beyond grateful to receive such a significant award. It will allow me to gain the confidence and reassurance to push myself while striving for the best throughout the beginning of my post-secondary studies. It is incredibly motivating to be acknowledged for all the hard work and sacrifices that dedicated high school students make to better their schools and communities. I look forward to interacting with more like-minded peers while I attend ULethbridge in the fall. I cannot wait to further my education in such an encouraging environment while also facing new and unfamiliar challenges along the way.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge welcomes Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch as dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:48:49 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge welcomes respected theatre scholar Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch as the incoming dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Davis-Fisch is the founding director of the School of Creative Arts at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of the Fraser Valley. Prior to taking on the role of school director in 2019, she was head of the theatre department and chair of UFV’s Bachelor of Media Arts program.

Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, new dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

“I am delighted to be joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to lead its Faculty of Fine Arts as the new dean and am excited about the opportunity to advocate for and champion the creative and scholarly accomplishments of its students, faculty and staff,” says Davis-Fisch.

Davis-Fisch received a PhD in literary and theatre studies, as well as her MA in drama from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph. Prior to that, she earned an undergraduate degree in theatre studies and history from Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Her research interests include performance historiography and Indigenous and intercultural performance, particularly in historical paradigms. Davis-Fisch is the author of Loss and Cultural Remains in Performance: The Ghosts of the Franklin Expedition, which was the recipient of the Ann Saddlemyer Award for outstanding monograph from the Canadian Association for Theatre Research.

Her scholarly work has appeared in Theatre Research in Canada, Performing Arts Resources, Cultural Studies/Critical Methodologies and Canadian Theatre Review, as well as several edited collections. Her current SSHRC-funded research project investigates the role of performances in the establishment of settler-colonialism in nineteenth-century Canada and how performance documents and objects can be re-integrated into galleries, archives and museums.

“Dr. Davis-Fisch has shown at every stage of her career that she is a leader who forges ahead and sets new standards, whether it be as a professor, researcher or administrator,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, ULethbridge provost and vice-president (academic). “The Faculty of Fine Arts plays such a crucial role in developing and supporting the rich artistic culture we enjoy here in southern Alberta and beyond, and I see her addition as a major boost to the outstanding activities led by our faculty and staff.”

Davis-Fisch has a clear and demonstrated commitment to collaboration, community engagement and Indigenization in her academic and administrative work. Additionally, her experience in curriculum development and fostering positive workplace cultures exemplify her preparedness for the role.

“Appreciating the deep and long-standing relationships between the Faculty and the communities the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ serves, I look forward to working closely with community partners to further the cultural and artistic life of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s work in relation to decolonization and reconciliation,” says Davis-Fisch.

This announcement is one of four new dean appointments that will be filled this year, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and alumnus Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

Davis-Fisch will officially begin her role as dean on July 1, 2023.

Faculty of Education welcomes experienced educator Dr. Lisa Starr as new dean

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:55:21 +0000

Respected researcher and academic leader Dr. Lisa Starr has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Education, bringing extensive experience as an educator across Canada and internationally to her new role at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Dr. Lisa Starr joins ULethbridge after nearly a decade at McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Montreal.

Starr joins ULethbridge after nearly a decade at McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, most recently serving as the Department Chair for Integrated Studies in Education within McGill’s Faculty of Education. Her experience in post-secondary education also extends to the west coast, where she worked within the Faculty of Education and earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Education) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria.

“I am excited to begin my mandate as dean for the Faculty of Education and to be part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community,” says Starr. “I am also delighted to return to the prairies with perspective gleaned from working across Canada and worldwide.”

The prairie homecoming for Starr comes 30 years after completing a Bachelor of Education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina. Her post-undergraduate K-12 work experience then took her to British Columbia and eventually abroad, where she lived and worked in Pakistan, Kuwait and Mongolia from 2001 to 2008.

“My time overseas was a significant period of personal and professional growth that directly contributed to my approach as a leader,” says Starr. “I place great value in the perspectives of others and considering voices that are less typically heard in our decision making.”

Backed by an impressive resume of research spanning the last decade, Starr is currently the principal investigator for two Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded projects, with the first engaging in educational reform in three Quebec high schools, and the second examining how pedagogical strategies can be implemented to address sexual and gender-based violence in teacher training colleges in Mozambique.

Her background also includes training teacher educators in cross-curricular learning, techniques for classroom assessment and educational leadership, and she is a past president of the Canadian Association for the Study of Women and Education (CASWE).

“Dr. Starr is a well-respected academic leader who will bring a wealth of experience to her new role as dean,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “The Faculty of Education’s emphasis on field experience and research-based best practice continues to produce the most sought-after teachers in the industry, and her proven track record as a relationship builder and forward thinker will be a great asset to the Faculty.”

Starr’s placement is one of four new dean appointments that will be filled this year, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and alumnus Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

Dr. Starr will officially begin her role as dean on July 1, 2023.

Dr. Harold Jansen appointed to new role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:47:33 +0000

One of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s most respected professors and administrators is prepared to take on a new role this spring as Dr. Harold Jansen has been named the new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education.

Dr. Harold Jansen, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean of the School of Liberal Education.

Jansen, a political scientist who has taught in the Faculty of Arts & Science since 1998 and most recently been serving as ULethbridge’s Interim ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian, is enthused about the new role and his opportunity to continue working with the library and to build on the strong foundation of the School of Liberal Education and its standing as a hallmark of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s academic philosophy.

“The principle of liberal education is what gives the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge its identity,” says Jansen. “I am thrilled to have the privilege of working with two academic units that contribute so directly to that vision and that are focused on preparing students to be successful while they are here at our university and after graduation.”

Jansen excelled in his teaching and research duties while in the Faculty of Arts & Science. A natural leader, he gravitated to taking the head of the classroom during his high school years when he put together ad hoc Chemistry 20 tutoring sessions for his classmates. Later, he worked as a teaching assistant for chemistry and history classes as an undergraduate student at the King’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ College in Edmonton. He continued to find his way into teaching roles when completing his BA at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, his master’s at Carleton ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and then his doctoral studies back at the U of A.

“Dr. Jansen is an excellent educator who has always had a unique talent to understand the student perspective and meet students where they are in their learning and to empower them to take on new concepts and new ideas,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president academic. “As a researcher in his field and administrator, he has demonstrated his ability as a leader and innovator in every sense. His recent experience in the library, coupled with his deep commitment to the ideals of liberal education will serve him well in this role.”

Jansen is recognized for his research work on political party and election finance in Canada and he’s consistently been voted one of the most popular teachers on campus. In 2019, he was honoured with the Distinguished Teaching Award, and in 2018 the Teaching Excellence Award from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union. Jansen served as a Board of Governors Teaching Chair from 2013-2015 and was a Teaching Fellow from 2009-2010.

Administratively, Jansen chaired the Department of Political Science from 2015-2018 and was Associate Dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science before taking on the role of Interim ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian.

“The Library and the School of Liberal Education are central to the teaching and research mission of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. From my experience with both units, what makes them special is the exceptional dedication of their staff. Their commitment to students and to the mission of the university makes me optimistic about the future. I could not be more excited to work with these amazing people.”

Jansen will begin his role as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian and Dean on May 1, 2023. His appointment is one of four new dean appointments this spring, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and alumnus Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge appoints Dr. Jon Doan as new dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:08:31 +0000

Esteemed researcher, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06), whose work has focused on improving the lives of those affected by disease and disability, has been appointed dean of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Dr. Jon Doan has focused his academic and research activities on improving the lives of those affected by disease and disability.

Doan, who has worked primarily out of ULethbridge’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education since 2005, has advanced the study of sport-derived exercise programs and their neurotherapeutic benefit to Parkinson’s disease patients, led studies aimed at alleviating health and wellness concerns for care workers, and worked with industry to develop sustainable work practices through a participatory and proactive ergonomics approach, among others.

“I am excited to join the Faculty of Health Sciences. We are a collection of students, faculty and staff with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to a connected and collegial culture,” says Doan. “The efforts of the students and graduates from these programs and the faculty and staff who lead them touch countless people’s lives every day. It is an exciting opportunity and a great honour to lead a group that is ready to build from that long and strong foundation to create new community connections, explore new academic areas and continue to achieve valuable outcomes.”

Over the course of his research career, Doan’s work has been funded by national and provincial funding bodies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, MITACS and more. His academic career began at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biological engineering. He then completed a Master of Science in biomechanics at Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ before completing his PhD in neuroscience at ULethbridge.

Doan is a strong proponent of interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary teaching and research, combining work from his Engineering and Human Performance Lab with researchers in neuroscience, physics and astronomy and health sciences.

“Dr. Doan has spent much of his research career focusing on how to improve people’s lives,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “The impact of his work has been tangible and measurable on workers, caregivers and so many people affected by disease and disability. His demonstrated ability as a researcher and administrator will be a great asset to the Faculty of Health Sciences, whose faculty members have been bettering the lives of people through their activities for years.”

Faculty and students within health sciences have consistently been at the forefront of scholarship related to areas in public health, nursing, Indigenous health, addictions counselling and therapeutic recreation. Doan is excited to continue to enhance connections between the Faculty and the community.

“I think students and faculty in health sciences have made major contributions to their campus, their community, and throughout academic and professional practice, stemming from their hard work, dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. I look forward to working with these students and faculty to make an even better ULethbridge, concentrated on serving our community, our society, and the health science practice and research areas.”

This placement is one of four new dean appointments that will be filled this year, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

Dr. Doan will officially begin his role as dean on July 1, 2023.

Micro-credentials in health and business earn provincial funding support

trevor.kenney — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 21:19:39 +0000

Advanced Education awards $838,750 to support new programs in trauma-informed care and personal financial planning

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has once again been successful in securing funding for the creation of new micro-credentials, earning $838,750 from Advanced Education, part of an $8-million investment in micro-credential programming across the province.

The ULethbridge funding will support the creation of a Trauma-Informed Care Micro-Credential in the Faculty of Health Sciences and a Personal Financial Planner Micro-Credential in the Dhillon School of Business. In all, the Government of Alberta announced recently it would support the development of 69 micro-credential programs at 21 post-secondary institutions across the province. The ULethbridge award is the second highest in the province.

“Continuing education and non-traditional programming have long been a way for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to connect further with our communities and encourage lifelong learning,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, ULethbridge provost and vice-president (academic). “Through micro-credentials, we can reach even more Albertans who are looking to upgrade their skills to enhance their careers or change course and meet the new demands of an ever-shifting job market.”

The Personal Financial Planning micro-credential, comprising nine short online courses, will allow individuals aspiring to a career in personal financial planning to pursue the prestigious Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ and the Certified Financial Planner® designations offered by FP Canada (pending curriculum approval by FP Canada).

“This is a tremendous opportunity for career switchers, existing students, and individuals with degrees in any discipline to open doors to a rewarding high-demand career helping individuals and families have a more secure financial future,” says Dr. Kerry Godfrey, dean of the Dhillon School of Business.

The Trauma-Informed Care Micro-Credential will feature an approach that emphasizes a different vision for how to care for people not only as health professionals but as human beings. The program consists of seven different learning series where students will acquire a better understanding of the sources from which troubling behaviours occur and diseases spring in the wounded human soul. The learnings will help guide people toward a path of individual and collective healing.

“Our schools are full of children with learning disabilities and mental health issues that are trauma-based but the average teacher never gets a single lecture on trauma. Our health-care system is full of clients with debilitating mental health issues and substance abuse issues that are largely the result of trauma, but the average health provider never gets a single course on trauma,” says Dr. Claudia Steinke (MSc ’01), associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences Nursing Program. “Most health-care providers are untrained to offer the support that is necessary for the well-being of the traumatized individual. I believe if we had a more trauma-informed society, we would have a society that is much more compassionate. This micro-credential program will help to fill a current gap that exists in our training of health professionals.”

Micro-credential programs support the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy by providing students with flexible and innovative learning opportunities to help them develop skills for jobs. The programs will align with priority industry sectors outlined in Alberta’s Recovery Plan, including health, technology, agri-business, aviation, veterinary medicine and software engineering, among others.

“Micro-credentials empower Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful and build new careers, while ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow their business,” says Minister of Advanced Education, Demetrios Nicolaides. “I’m thrilled we’re able to expand this program in a meaningful way that supports our students, post-secondary institutions, employers and industry to secure Alberta’s future.”

In 2021, the Government of Alberta had its first call for proposals for micro-credentials and ULethbridge received $550,000 to develop micro-credentials for the film and creative industry. The Visual Design Micro-Credential has since been created and includes classes such as digital culture and communication; digital video storytelling; foundations of new media; introduction to web development; mobile media; and visual communications basic. The program is set to launch in January 2023.

Chalmet earns plaudits for role on Return to Campus Committee

trevor.kenney — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:53:09 +0000

Wim Chalmet, director of Facility Operations & Maintenance, never imagined how much he’d learn about a worldwide pandemic until he had to do a deep research dive to support his new role as co-lead of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Return to Campus Committee.

Wim Chalmet and Dr. Trushar Patel are co-leads on the Return to Campus Committee.

It was just one of the lessons Chalmet learned as he and fellow co-lead Dr. Trushar Patel took on the daunting task of assisting the repopulation of campus following the COVID-19-induced shift to online teaching and learning. Patel was recognized as winner of the 2022 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award for his efforts, while Chalmet has earned plaudits from senior administration for his integral role in the relaunch process.

“The pandemic was something that none of us had ever experienced and we had to muddle our way through many scenarios and make decisions to the best of our ability and with what knowledge and information we had access to,” Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic) and Nancy Walker, vice-president (finance & administration), said in thanking Chalmet for his service. “Wim’s calm manner and organizational skills in bringing forward issues for discussion was greatly appreciated, especially because he made good suggestions in how to deal with each scenario.”

While Patel’s expertise favoured the medical and academic side of the operation, Chalmet’s contributions focused on the physical logistics of the move back to campus. He said the challenges were many, including the continually changing information they would receive while trying to plan.

“It wasn’t even day-to-day, sometimes it was hour-to-hour,” says Chalmet, who has been with ULethbridge since 2009. “It was very quick moving and always changing. We’d prepare plans and try to get everything in place and just when we were ready to announce, there’d be an announcement from the government, and we’d throw everything away and start again.”

The next logistical challenge was communicating decisions in a timely and effective manner, something that led the relaunch group to working closely with communications. In fact, one of the best aspects of Chalmet’s role, he says, was the ties he developed with all the various units on campus.

“From a personal perspective, it gave me insight into a lot of groups that I did not have a lot of contact with before,” he says. “We were working with communications, President’s Executive, most faculty and Deans, Ancillary Services and on and on, it was a really great learning exercise.”

He admits there were some extremely difficult days and by the nature of the work and the decisions that were being made, people’s lives were affected. Some of the feedback both he and Patel received was hurtful and personal.

“We understood that with the relaunch there would be lots of hesitancy and many questions. Is it the right choice to come back, how are we going to be safe, how can we guarantee a safe environment? That we were prepared for,” he says. “Then there were the confrontational issues and we really saw that come about when institutions started mandating masking and then mandating vaccines. Every time we sent out a relaunch email with some real meat and potatoes in it, we would get hundreds of replies, some supporting and others who were very upset. It made for some challenging days.”

Through it all, Chalmet says he focussed on what the campus community needed to know as they tried to answer questions and communicate decisions in a timely and informed manner. With COVID-19 still a presence and the fall semester looming, the work continues.

“We’ve been meeting and updating our web pages and our procedures and planning for the fall,” he says. “Again, it is mostly a communications issue and as we learned through the relaunch, you need to tell people what the plans are and in a timely fashion with whatever information you have to work off. So, that’s what we’ll do, and we’ll modify plans as needed.”

Dr. Kerry Godfrey reappointed to second term as dean of the Dhillon School of Business

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 21:24:59 +0000

As the Dhillon School of Business (DSB) continues to expand its innovative program delivery, Dr. Kerry Godfrey has been reappointed as dean for an additional five-year term. Godfrey will also assume an expanded role with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, taking on the responsibility of overseeing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Calgary campus.

Dr. Kerry Godfrey will also assume an expanded role with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, taking on the responsibility of overseeing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Calgary campus.

Godfrey, who came to ULethbridge in 2018, will begin his role with the Calgary Campus immediately, while his second term as dean of the Dhillon School of Business will begin July 1, 2023.

“Dr. Godfrey came to the Dhillon School at a very important time and with a vision to advance innovation and establish the school as a leader in the study and application of the digital economy,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “During his tenure, the Dhillon School of Business has introduced a number of new programs designed to meet student and industry need, capitalizing on the talents of our outstanding faculty members. He has helped grow recognition of the Dhillon name and further establish the school as one that creates opportunity for students of all ages and at all stages of their professional careers.”

In Godfrey's first term, the team at the Dhillon School of Business introduced a variety of new programming including the graduate certificate and master’s in Health Services Management, a new minor in Fintech and Financial Innovation and numerous courses in finance and innovation, blockchain, and data analytics. In the fall of 2020, the Dhillon School was the first in the province to introduce a data analytics course recognized for entry into the CPA Professional Education Program, and in May 2021, the school introduced its DSB Edge student cohort for first-year management students.

“The Dhillon School of Business has responded to industry need by creating courses that meet the needs of professionals seeking to upgrade their skills or transition into the digital economy, all while maintaining its excellence as an educator of young students just beginning their journey,” adds Okine.

Godfrey has also continued the Dhillon School’s emphasis on advancing reconciliation efforts. Under his leadership, the school became the first in Canada to require all business students to take an Indigenous course as part of their degree, and recently, Dr. Leroy Little Bear was announced as a DSB adjunct professor and advisor.

Godfrey came to ULethbridge from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph where he served as Associate Dean (Academic), and then Acting Dean of the College of Business and Economics. Previously, he was the Director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Originally from British Columbia, he earned his Bachelor of Science from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria, a Master of Science from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Surrey, UK and a PhD from the School of Planning, Oxford Brookes ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, UK. He also obtained an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership and an MBA in Educational Management from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Leicester, UK.

Patel earns new investigator honour from Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences

trevor.kenney — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:06:22 +0000

Dr. Trushar Patel (chemistry & biochemistry), who was named winner of the 2021 Biophysical Society of Canada Young Investigator Award in September, 2021, has earned a similar honour from the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences by earning the 2022 CSMB New Investigator Award.

Dr. Trushar Patel has quickly established himself as one of the country's leading scientists.

“Being recognized nationally through these highly competitive awards is a testament to the research environment and achievements that Dr. Patel has developed,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s vice-president (research).

Patel, who came to the U of L in 2016 as an independent researcher, earned a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics in November 2017. His lab, based out of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), has earned extensive funding support in recent years as it investigates a variety of viral diseases including Hepatitis and Flaviviruses.

“It has been very rewarding to watch the progression of Dr. Patel’s research career here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “From the outset he created strong research partnerships, pushed ahead with new and innovative areas of study and built a diverse and talented laboratory team. His contributions to his field of study have been consistently supported by funding agencies and he continues to be recognized for his efforts. We’re excited to see what comes next.”

Scott named interim dean for Faculty of Fine Arts

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 20:27:27 +0000

Dr. Shelley Scott (BA ’86) has been named Interim Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts for a nine-month term, effective October 1, 2021, and running through to June 30, 2022.

Dr. Shelley Scott currently teaches theatre history, Canadian theatre, dramatic literature and theatre theory.

Scott currently teaches theatre history, Canadian theatre, dramatic literature and theatre theory and has been at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since 1998. She graduated from the U of L with great distinction, majoring in drama, and was awarded the Faculty of Arts & Science gold medal as well as the Charles S. Noble award for student leadership.

Scott earned her master’s and PhD from the Graduate Centre for Study of Drama at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto and taught at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph before returning to Lethbridge in 1998. She was Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts from 2008-2011. In 2013, she was promoted to professor and served a three-year term (2013-2016) as associate dean for the Faculty of Fine Arts.

“We’re extremely pleased to draw on Shelley’s talents as an instructor and administrator to fill this vital role over the next nine months,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic).

Over the course of her academic career, Scott has been an active researcher and publisher, specifically studying Canadian women playwrights. She has published on playwrights such as Joan MacLeod, Ann-Marie MacDonald and Linda Griffiths in academic journals such as Modern Drama, Canadian Theatre Review, Theatre Research in Canada, Resources for Feminist Research,and the British Journal of Canadian Studies.

Scott, who has directed numerous plays for the Department of Drama, has also published two books, The Violent Woman as a New Theatrical Character Type: Cases from Canadian Drama and Nightwood Theatre: A Woman's Work is Always Done. She is a member in the Canadian Association for Theatre Research and served as president from 2008-2012.

“I am excited to take on this new role for the Faculty of Fine Arts and to work with my extraordinary faculty colleagues, dedicated staff and incredible students, with a new, university-wide voice,” says Scott of her appointment.

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