Trent University's 2023 Decanal Awards for Teaching Excellence and Outstanding Graduate Mentorship have just been announced, recognizing exceptional faculty members who have made a profound impact on student success in various academic fields.  

Now in its second year, the awards honour Trent University faculty members, spanning the Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, School of Education, Trent University Durham GTA, School of Nursing, and the School of Graduate Studies. 

“Trent’s annual Decanal Awards celebrate excellence in teaching and graduate mentorship across the University. This year’s recipients have been nominated by students, for the passion, innovation, and dedication they bring to their discipline,” shares Dr. Kristy Buccieri, acting associate dean of Teaching and Learning at Trent. “Congratulations to the recipients and thank you to those who were inspired to nominate them. These awards are a perfect example of Trent’s commitment to high-quality education, across all fields of study.”

Recipients of the 2022-2023 Decanal Awards: 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Education: Dr. Kelly Young, School of Education

Professor Young is recognized for her consistent development of highly effective teaching strategies and her demonstration of exemplary pedagogical skills. Nominators cited her transformative teaching style, characterized by its supportive and uplifting nature, which fosters exploration and active learning within the classroom. 

Trent Durham GTA Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant '90 (Julian Blackburn College), Psychology  

Professor Smith-Chant is celebrated for her ability to offer positive and constructive feedback, her innovative approach to creating learning materials, and her aptitude for elevating student participation and engagement. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Nursing: Kinza Malik, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) 

Instructor Malik is renowned for her thorough assessments, adept use of concept maps, and an overarching pedagogical approach that not only inspires but also greatly facilitates student learning. She excels in devising innovative and imaginative approaches to course design, particularly in the realm of instruction and assessments. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Dean Howley '06 (Peter Gzowski College), Trent School of Business

Professor Howley is recognized for his commitment to nurturing student learning, his enthusiasm for teaching, and his remarkable capacity to captivate and motivate students, inspiring them to establish meaningful connections between course content and real-world scenarios. Through the inclusion of pragmatic and engaging assignments, Prof. Howley empowers students to embark on journeys of self-discovery as aspiring entrepreneurs and prospective business proprietors. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Sciences: Dr. Wesley Burr, Mathematics

Nominations for Professor Burr spoke to how he makes himself available to students and supports their academic growth. Prof. Burr’s innovative teaching methods and supportive pedagogical approach, alongside his mastery-based learning and availability to students, ensures that all students putting in the work to succeed can understand course concepts and do well. Dr. Burr is an ambassador of the Campaign for Momentous Change.

School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for New Mentors: Dr. Kateryna Keefer ’99 (Champlain College), Psychology

Graduate students highlighted Professor Keefer’s dedication to sharing her passion for supporting student learning, nurturing critical thinking, and guiding students to become proficient scholars. The nominations also celebrated her generous commitment of time and expertise as a mentor, along with her encouragement for students to further explore and enhance their own abilities. She is recognized as a supervisor who seamlessly integrates theory and practical application. 

School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for Senior Mentors: Dr. David M. K. Sheinin, History

Professor Sheinin is acknowledged for his distinctive mentorship style, characterized by genuine support for students, enabling them to develop self-assurance in their abilities and pursue academic endeavours both within and outside of Trent University. He is widely regarded as an outstanding mentor who inspires self-discovery and self-confidence, empowering those he mentors to embark on their professional journeys with newfound independence. 

To learn more about the Decanal Awards for Teaching Excellence and Outstanding Mentorship, including more details about Trent’s teaching awards and past teaching award recipients, please visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning website.