UNews - Dhillon School of Business

New award honours Indigenous excellence and leadership

caroline.zentner — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:06:41 +0000

The Dhillon School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has established a new award to be given annually to a graduating Indigenous student who exemplifies academic achievement, cultural integrity and outstanding character.

Braydon Day Chief, at left, receives the Poomaksin Pens Award from Don McIntyre.

Brayden Day Chief is the first recipient of the Poomaksin Pens Award, which consists of the pen set and $500, because of his academic success and his vision for leadership in business and governance.

Poomaksin is a Blackfoot word that means ‘to transfer,’ as with a sacred bundle or knowledge and skills. The name and the pens reflect the power of voice, leadership and the enduring strength of Indigenous knowledge and presence within academic and professional spaces.

“This award is not only about celebrating success; it’s about investing in the next generation of Indigenous leaders and honouring the traditions that guide them,” says Don McIntyre, a faculty member at the Dhillon School of Business.

McIntyre, a member of the Timiskaming Nation, was inspired to create the award based on personal experience. When he graduated from law school, a friend and mentor named Billy Mair, a citizen of the Tlingit Nation, gifted him a treasured set of pens.

“Billy had held onto those pens for many years, valuing them not only as tools but as a symbol,” says McIntyre. “To him, those pens represented the power of words, the responsibilities that come with knowledge and the tools needed for the fight ahead.”

Each year, the award will honour the journey of Indigenous students and celebrate the importance of carrying forward their voice, culture and contributions. It not only recognizes academic success but also celebrates Indigenous resilience and mentorship and affirms the commitment of the Dhillon School of Business to support Indigenous students.

Dhillon School of Business Scholarship Dinner raises funds for establishment of new scholarship

trevor.kenney — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:37:39 +0000

The Elders in Residence program took centre stage as the Dhillon School of Business celebrated 40 years of Indigenous business management education at its annual scholarship dinner.

The event, which featured Indigenous art, dance and music, also raised funds towards establishing a new scholarship benefiting Indigenous students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. The Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship (meaning in this context “Our Elders as our guides and teachers”) will soon be available to all Indigenous students enrolled at ULethbridge and studying in any discipline across campus.

Elders from the Elders in Residence program take questions at the DSB Scholarship Dinner.

"I truly believe education is an opportunity towards prosperity, both individually and in society,” says E gim mi Niitsitapi (man has a heart for Real People or Indigenous People) Dr. Kerry Godfrey, dean of the Dhillon School of Business (DSB). “Anything we can do to improve opportunity and remove barriers to access is what I’m hoping this scholarship is the start of, and even greater things to come.”

Through seat sales, donations, ULethbridge Board of Governors match funding, a silent auction and the generosity of the CPA Education Foundation, more than $110,000 was raised to support the establishment of the Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship.

The Elders in Residence program, founded in 2008, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Indigenous students at ULethbridge. Rhonda Crow, Indigenous Learning and Program Coordinator at the Dhillon School of Business, says an Aboriginal student needs assessment indicated, among other things, that students wanted to see and have access to Indigenous Elders.

Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Dr. Francis First Charger, became the first Elder in Residence, offering a listening ear and words of wisdom to DSB students, faculty and staff. Shortly after, the late Napiakii (Old Woman) Carolla Calf Robe, joined, and then Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky) Catherine Hunt, and Miisaminiskim (Long Time Buffalo Stone) Shirlee Crow Shoe, were called upon to join the program.

“Our role is we support the students, we listen, and we advise them and encourage them to continue on with their studies,” explains Crow Shoe.

Today, the Elders in Residence are available to support all ULethbridge students and employees.

Quincy Yellow Wings, a third-year Bachelor of Management student majoring in Indigenous Governance and Business Management, says the program has been a treasured source of guidance and support. She cherishes moments where she can visit with First Charger and the other Elders.

“Through his stories, I learned that each of us walks a unique path, encountering obstacles that we are meant to overcome,” she says.

To contribute to the establishment of the Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship, visit the giving web page.

Dhillon School of Business celebrating 40 years of Indigenous business management education

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:35:31 +0000

The Dhillon School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will mark a historic milestone — 40 years of Indigenous business management education — at a full-day event on Friday, March 21, in the ULethbridge Students’ Union Ballrooms (SU300B).

Since launching Canada’s first university program focused on Indigenous economic development, governance and business management in 1985, the school has been a leader in advancing Indigenous business education in Canada.

The school continues to be a leader in advancing Indigenous business education in Canada.

“I am extremely proud of our school’s legacy as we continue to walk the path of reconciliation through education,” says Dr. Kerry Godfrey, dean of the Dhillon School of Business.

In celebration of this significant milestone, of “Mokakit” (practice wisdom, apply your knowledge), alumni, students, community members and business leaders are invited to participate in the celebration.

The day begins with a traditional teepee raising ceremony (7:30 to 8:30 a.m.), followed by a welcome and Elder’s blessing (9 a.m.) and the keynote address from Jennifer Campeau (BMgt ’08), VP of Indigenous Relations at Aecon Group Inc. She will present, Take the Risk: Realize Your Potential, at 10 a.m.

The event will also feature insightful panel discussions with Indigenous alumni, leaders and entrepreneurs, including trailblazing Indigenous women in business and those working at the intersection of education, governance and economic development.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from respected speakers such as Dr. Leroy Little Bear, whose wisdom and leadership continue to inspire Indigenous education across Canada. A special scholarship announcement will also take place during a lunch featuring hearty beef stew and frybread.

This event is a unique opportunity to connect with alumni, business leaders, gain valuable insights and celebrate the incredible contributions of Indigenous professionals in shaping industries and communities.

For a full schedule of events and to register, visit: ulethbridge.ca/dhillon/40-years-indigenous-business-education

Dhillon School of Business 2025 Scholarship Dinner to honour Elders and support Indigenous students

trevor.kenney — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:40:02 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Dhillon School of Business 2025 Scholarship Dinner will honour Indigenous Elders — past, present and future — while supporting the education of Indigenous students. This special event will take place on Friday, Mar. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, in Lethbridge.

The evening will feature an Indigenous-inspired menu, Indigenous silent auction and cultural programming. This meaningful gathering celebrates the vital role Elders play in the vibrancy of campus life as they share their knowledge, wisdom and traditional practices while offering guidance, cultural teachings and spiritual mentoring to students, staff and faculty.

“Elders are the backbone to our Indigenous communities and are important knowledge keepers who serve as teachers, healers and advisors,” explains Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA ’05), Director Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “They are the guardians of wisdom and traditions who connect the past with the present and future. Here at Iniskim, we are truly blessed to have such a group of amazing Elders who are here to help guide our students who will be our future leaders and caregivers of tomorrow.”

This year’s event also recognizes 40 years of Indigenous business, governance and management programming offered by the university. In 1985, the Dhillon School of Business launched Canada’s first university program specifically focused on Indigenous economic development, governance and business management. In 2021, it became the first business school in Canada to include an Indigenous course requirement as part of a student’s core business degree.

“Our school’s history shows that we actively value Indigenous business perspectives,” says Kerry Godfrey, DSB dean. “We purposely and intentionally work to elevate our understanding of different perspectives, and provide our students with meaningful opportunities to see the world of business and management from a multiplicity of viewpoints.”

Proceeds from the event will be used to establish a scholarship fund supporting annual scholarships for Indigenous students in any discipline at ULethbridge. By attending the dinner, attendees honour tradition and community while helping to break down barriers, invest in the education of future generations, and support reconciliation through education, creating a lasting impact.

Seats are limited for the event, with tickets priced at $125 per individual or $1,000 per table (seats eight). Each ticket includes a charitable tax receipt. Tickets are available online at ulethbridge.ca/dhillon/scholarship-dinner.

Dhillon School of Business inviting high school students to take part in exclusive business experience

trevor.kenney — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:30:57 +0000

The Dhillon School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is hosting a free, one-day event designed to give high school students an unforgettable introduction to the world of business.

Sponsored by the CPA Education Foundation, Student Professional Development Day combines interactive learning, inspiring talks and hands-on simulations to showcase what it’s like to study business and prepare for future leadership roles.

Students will enjoy a free breakfast, followed by an inspiring keynote, Excuses to Connect, by Richard Lee-Thai, where they’ll learn creative strategies to build meaningful connections and seize valuable opportunities.

In the next session, Introduction to Management, participants will dive into the fundamentals of business through interactive activities focused on leadership, teamwork and problem-solving.

After a free lunch, the day continues with a hands-on business simulation. Students will take on the role of CEO, managing a lemonade stand and competing to make the highest profit.

February 7 | 9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Markin Hall Atrium
(Optional campus tour: 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.)

Limited Availability
This event is limited to 40 students, ensuring a personalized and impactful experience. Register here to secure your spot.

This event has been organized by Dhillon School of Business Student Professional Development and is part of the 2025 Student Professional Development Conference.

Examining the world of Generative AI the focus of next PUBlic Professor Series event at Slice Bar and Grill

trevor.kenney — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:06:40 +0000

*This event has reached capacity*

Generative AI wasn’t slowly introduced to society, rather it burst onto the scene and is already impacting our daily lives, from personalized recommendations to automated customer service and more — and its influence will only grow as technology advances.

Generative AI is a frontier technology that promises to transform industries and reshape our daily lives.

Amid the current hype and craze, it's essential to understand its potential and its practical challenges. How does it work, why does it work, and does it actually make sense? Dr. Sidney Shapiro, assistant professor of business analytics in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business, will explore the current state of Generative AI, its future possibilities and critically examine the impacts it could have on society at the next PUBlic Professor Series event — Will Generative AI Change the World? — on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Slice Bar and Grill. Coffee and tea will be available.

“Lately, AI has completely taken over and everybody’s talking about it,” says Shapiro. “I’m very excited to examine how AI is going to shape the future and the massive social change that are happening in every aspect of our lives because of AI.”

Generative AI is a frontier technology that promises to transform industries and reshape our daily lives. The potential applications are vast and varied, from creative content generation to advanced problem-solving capabilities. However, as with many technological advancements, it comes with ethical, social, environmental and practical challenges.

“It’s making huge societal changes, and people are worried about losing their jobs, how it could possibly change the workforce by unplugging people and plugging AI in,” says Shapiro. “I think there’s a lot to be hesitant about, based on how the technology works and what we can learn about it. In my talk, we will discuss how businesses and individuals can harness this technology responsibly and the implications for our future.”

Shapiro, who is also an adjunct assistant professor of computer science, has a wealth of experience in data science and business analytics. With over a decade of expertise in developing and automating data, he has worked extensively at the intersection of AI, data engineering and business intelligence. Formerly a data science manager in the occupational health and safety sector, Shapiro focuses on advancing theoretical and practical applications of data and business analytics. His research spans AI adoption trends, data privacy and the transformative potential of emerging technologies in business and education.

This is the third of six talks in the annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures which feature thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across the ULethbridge campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge but registration is required as space is limited, specifically for this event, and few tickets remain. For those who cannot attend, the talk will be available on the ULethbridge YouTube channel following the presentation.

See more at ulethbridge.ca/research/public-professor.

Dhillon School of Business positioned to boost career opportunities through new Master of Management

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:35:19 +0000

Recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking the managerial skills necessary to lead in today’s dynamic business world now have a new option available exclusively at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Calgary campus — the 16-month Master of Management (MMgt) program.

The new Master of Management will be offered exclusively through ULethbridge's Calgary campus.

Offered by the Dhillon School of Business, the MMgt is designed specifically for individuals with a non-business undergraduate degree. The program provides comprehensive training in essential management disciplines, including leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, communication, team management, entrepreneurship, decision-making and more.

Dhillon School of Business Dean, Dr. Kerry Godfrey says students can be confident that the skills they will be learning in the master’s program are recognized and respected by employers worldwide, positioning them for managerial roles in their chosen fields.

“The competencies we are teaching in the Master of Management are those requested by employers, based on our review of labour market reports and in consultation with the business community,” says Godfrey. “Furthermore, students who come to the Dhillon School of Business can trust they are getting the most relevant management knowledge thanks to our AACSB accreditation, which ensures our curriculum meets rigorous global standards and aligns with the evolving needs of today’s business landscape."

The student experience for the Master of Management combines academic theory covering core business areas like accounting, finance, data analytics, marketing and human resources, with hands-on practice through in-class activities, case studies and a capstone project where students will work on solving a real business problem from a real company. The mix of business principles and practical application in the school’s supportive environment will give students confidence that they are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

Graduates of the program can expect to be prepared for positions in management, consulting, project management and business development across a range of sectors.

The MMgt program’s first intake is Fall 2025. More information about the MMgt program can be found here.

More than $1 million in SSHRC grants to support vital social sciences and humanities research projects

caroline.zentner — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:23:51 +0000

Several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers have received Insight and Insight Development grants worth more than $1 million through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Their projects will delve into varied topics including immigration, artist-run centres, charitable giving, Depression-era Canadian poetry, and medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

“Research in the social sciences and humanities plays an essential role in understanding and improving the human condition,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president of research at ULethbridge. “These grants enable our researchers to enrich cultural understanding, foster a deeper appreciation of human experiences and make an impact on the lives of everyday citizens.”

The following researchers have been awarded Insight Grants:

Dr. Debra Basil, a Dhillon School of Business professor of marketing, will look at the immigrant settlement experience in small to mid-sized cities in Western Canada and develop a community-based social marketing program to improve newcomer settlement experiences.

Dr. Devon Smither, associate dean in the Faculty of Fine Arts, plans to examine and document the history and impact of artist-run centres, which were created in the 1960s and 1970s as alternatives to commercial galleries.

Dr. Julia Brassolotto’s project focuses on the complexities of MAiD in Canada by examining the ethical issues surrounding MAiD through official government statements and lived experiences.

The following researchers have been awarded Insight Development Grants:

Dr. Hamid Akbary, a sociology professor, will examine potential biases in Canadian immigration policies and the public perception of refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Dr. David Hobbs, an English professor, looks to recover vital portions of Western Canadian literary culture from the Great Depression by examining the work of poet Dorothy Livesay.

Anthropology professor Dr. Jodie Asselin’s project centres on the transformation of culturally significant landscapes due to climate change and climate change mitigation measures. While such landscape change is occurring around the world, Asselin will focus on sites in rural Ireland to both record and acknowledge site loss and the implications for rural futures, providing a lesson applicable to communities across the global north.

Dr. Jessica Jacobson-Konefall, a Faculty of Fine Arts professor, plans to examine longstanding ancestral cultural forms as they appear in contemporary art in Winnipeg. The project brings attention to Anishinaabe, Eastern European and Caribbean diasporic arts.

Charities in Canada face increasing demand but many lack the resources to serve everyone. Dr. Rhiannon Mesler, a Dhillon School of Business professor at ULethbridge’s Calgary Campus, will look at consumer backlash to charities that accept donations from firms that generate their money by legal but morally questionable means, such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling or non-renewable energy, and how they might navigate the challenge.

The Research Support Fund supports a portion of the costs associated with managing the research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, such as salaries for staff who provide administration support, training costs for workplace health and safety, maintenance of libraries and laboratories, and administrative costs associated with obtaining patents for inventions.

New EDI Scholars to build capacity for equity, diversity and inclusion at ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:16:20 +0000

Now in its fourth year, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholars program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge continues to grow, welcoming three new scholars for 2024-25.

Drs. Bonnie Lee and Anastasia Stuart-Edwards, along with doctoral candidate Tara Million, have been named EDI Scholars, and will undertake projects aimed at advancing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s EDI goals. When complete, these scholars will share their findings with the broader campus community.

“We are thrilled to introduce our newest cohort of EDI champions,” says Hernando (Nando) Ortega Arango, project manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Congratulations to our 2024-25 EDI Scholars and thank you to all applicants. This was a highly competitive selection process, and we look forward to collaborating with this exceptional group to enhance EDI capacity.”

Since its inception in 2021, the EDI Scholars program has named 13 scholars, including this year’s additions. In 2023-24, the program expanded its application process to increase EDI efforts across various faculties, departments and backgrounds. The projects for 2024-25 reflect this diversity, with participation from the Dhillon School of Business and the Faculties of Arts & Science and Health Sciences.

“Championing EDI initiatives is a collective responsibility, and everyone can contribute to fostering inclusion and belonging,” says Ortega. “Through the work of the EDI Scholars, we hope to reach diverse audiences and strengthen the impact of EDI efforts across campus.”

2024-25 EDI Scholars

Dr. Bonnie Lee

Dr. Bonnie Lee (Faculty of Health Sciences — addictions counselling) will launch the Student-generated Quick Cases: EDI Dilemmas from Students’ Lived Experience project. This competition invites upper-level and graduate health sciences students to create “Hollywood-style” vignettes based on their personal experiences with EDI dilemmas. The goal is to generate real-life scenarios for discussion and role-play, helping students explore various perspectives and compiling a valuable resource for future educational use.

“EDI issues are more complex than meet the eye,” says Lee. “It’s always instructive to consider these dilemmas from the standpoints of the various actors involved. We want to understand why people take the positions they do and get a deeper sense of what they feel inside.”

Tara Million

Tara Million (Faculty of Arts & Science — Indigenous studies) will expand her research on Indigenous law by drawing on Blackfoot, Cree and Métis legal orders to begin Indigenizing conflict resolution policies and procedures at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“I am very honoured to have been selected as an EDI Scholar,” says Million. “My research project draws on the premises that Canada is a multi-juridical country where Indigenous laws exist alongside Canadian common and civil law and that the Numbered Treaties express a range of Indigenous legal orders. It’s extremely important to me as an Indigenous faculty member that my research helps to create a theoretical and physical space where the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ can function under the umbrella of Indigenous legal orders, as well as within provincial and federal laws.”

Dr. Anastasia Stuart-Edwards

Dr. Anastasia Stuart-Edwards (Dhillon School of Business) will study incivility within academic settings by exploring the experiences of faculty members with diverse backgrounds and focusing on the prevalence, perception and personal and organizational strategies that can mitigate its harmful effects. Ultimately, Stuart-Edwards hopes her research will inform policies and practices that enhance organizational behaviour and well-being in educational institutions.

“Receiving this award is a significant milestone for me as it underscores the importance of addressing incivility within academic environments,” says Stuart-Edwards, who invites faculty members throughout Canadian academia to participate in her survey. “Through my research, I aim to uncover the prevalence and impact of selective incivility, particularly among faculty members with traditionally stigmatized attributes, and to develop effective strategies for fostering more respectful and inclusive academic settings.”

Dhillon School of Business transitions to offering Bachelor of Business Administration

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 19:47:36 +0000

In response to the evolving business landscape and to better reflect the comprehensive nature of its curriculum, the Dhillon School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge proudly announces the name transition of its Bachelor of Management (BMgt) to a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

With a commitment to continue providing students with a modern and highly recognized exceptional education which equips them with the skills needed to excel in and evolve with today's dynamic business world, the decision to rename the degree was made after careful consideration of the needs of stakeholders and underscores the Dhillon School of Business’ dedication to staying at the forefront of business education.

The change in name from BMgt to BBA does not change the core or quality of the program being offered, which will continue to include the rigorous academic standards and practical learning experiences expected of an AACSB-accredited business school.

“What we heard when talking to students and the community was that nationally and internationally, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is the more widely recognized name for the degree program we offer and have done so for many years,” says Dhillon School of Business Dean, Dr. Kerry Godfrey. “While the program and student experience remain ostensibly unchanged, the updated nomenclature will better reflect the comprehensive nature of our program and diverse career pathways it prepares our students for.”

While the BBA is a popular degree name for business programs across Canada, the Dhillon School of Business’ BBA is the first and only, AACSB accredited (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) BBA offered in Alberta and on the prairies, and also one of only ten BBA’s to be accredited by the AACSB in Canada.

The change comes on the heel of numerous initiatives aimed at continuing to provide robust, exciting and relevant academic offerings including a new diploma in Indigenous Governance and Business Management, a unique, industry-sought-after business and supply chain management program with Bow Valley College, a new partnership with Australia’s Bond ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to offer a Bachelor of Laws (in Canadian law and practice) and business degree (in general management), and a new course-based Master of Management program (MMgt), intended for recent graduates with non-business degrees starting in September 2025.

Prospective students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at the Dhillon School of Business either at the Lethbridge or Calgary university campus, can expect to gain a guaranteed quality business education and career-ready confidence instilled by hands-on experiences and small class sizes. Programs can be explored here.

UNews - Dhillon School of Business

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