A reception held in Convocation Hall highlighted the U of S’s outstanding teachers, their accomplishments and the contribution they make to the university and the student experience.

“There is no shortage of roles played by our professors. They are role models, scholars and mentors,” said Ernie Barber, U of S vice-provost, teaching and learning. “With that comes the responsibility to be an educator and pass on knowledge and discoveries to our students, making the academic experience meaningful and memorable.”

Margaret Kovach, assistant professor, College of Education, recipient of the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education, is one such teacher. Kovach received the award for her commitment to aboriginal students and her work in developing courses and innovative programming, both in the classroom and through distance learning.

“This is an important award from a teaching and social justice perspective,” said Kovach. “To increase enrolment and success of Aboriginal Peoples in post-secondary environments, it is vital to create spaces that are relevant and meaningful to aboriginal students. This award signals that aboriginal education is a priority at the University of Saskatchewan.”

One aspect of Kovach’s approach that stood out was the use of indigenous methodologies in her research and the infusion of aboriginal perspective and content in her teaching.

The recipients of the campus-wide Provost’s Teaching Awards are:
- Provost's Award for Outstanding Innovation in Learning: Fred Phillips (Edwards School of Business);
- Provost’s Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education: Margaret Kovach (College of Education);
- Provost's Award for Excellence in International Teaching: Lisa Krol (the University Language Centre);
- Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher Award: Serene Smyth (College of Kinesiology);
- Outstanding New Teacher Awards: Angela Bedard-Haughn (College of Agriculture and Bioresources); and Jay Wilson (College of Education).

The winners of the Provost's College Awards for Outstanding Teaching (college specific) are:
- Ken Van Rees (College of Agriculture and Bioresources);
- Ken Wilson (College of Arts and Science, sciences);
- Lorin Elias (College of Arts and Science, social sciences);
- Edwin Ralph (College of Education);
- Barbara Phillips (Edwards School of Business);
- Allan Dolovich (College of Engineering);
- Len Gusthart (College of Kinesiology);
- Barbara von Tigerstrom (College of Law);
- Nigel West (College of Medicine);
- Sandra Bassendowski (College of Nursing);
- Jeff Taylor (College of Pharmacy and Nutrition); and
- Gary Wobeser (Western College of Veterinary Medicine).

“These awards were established to recognize not only our outstanding teachers, but also the many immeasurable ways they reach our students,” said Barber. “The one thing all great teachers have in common—whether faculty, sessionals or graduate students—is that they care about students and their learning. That passion comes through and makes all the difference in student experience.”

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For more information, contact:

Kris Foster
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-1806 or 306-966-5905
Email: kris.foster@usask.ca