Faculty & Staff Awards

Gustavson best in class

Gustavson School of Business faculty and staff members have received many awards for teaching, service, and scholarship excellence since the school was established in 1990.

Dr. Brent Mainprize

2020 3M National Teaching Fellowship

Canada’s most prestigious award for excellence in leadership and teaching. Read more.

 

Ms. Heather Ranson

2019 United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education Excellence Award in Teaching

Based on the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education, this award recognizes exceptional commitment to bringing sustainable and socially responsible content into the classroom. Integrating sustainability into student learning is a core tenet of Gustavson’s philosophy, as well as aligning with the UN PRME, and Ranson’s commitment to this practice is evidenced by her continual innovation in the classroom and role as associate director of the school’s Centre for Social and Sustainable Responsibility.

Gustavson is proud to have joined the UN PRME Champions Group, a collective of 39 schools around the world committed to supporting integration of the UN’s sustainable development goals, in 2018.

Read more about Heather Ranson.

 

Dr. Brent Mainprize

2016 Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology

This award is given by the International Conference on College Teaching and Learning (ICCTL). 

Dr. Brent Mainprize

2014 Desire2Learn Innovation in Teaching and Learning

This award is given by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and Desire2Learn Incorporated. It recognizes Mainprize’s dedication, and his particularly innovative approach to teaching and learning.

His innovative approach for teaching entrepreneurship has been operationalized into a web-based software called the Venture Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) that is used in academia, innovation hatcheries and community economic development initiatives in Canada, Italy, Australia, Denmark and China. Read more. 

Dr. A. R. Elangovan (Elango) 

2012 3M National Teaching Fellowship

“This is a most deserved recognition of Dr. Elangovan’s educational leadership, particularly in the area of internationalization where he has been an outstanding source of vision and guidance to the Gustavson School of Business and to the university,” says UVic President and Vice-Chancellor David Turpin. “Elango’s expertise in organizational behaviour combined with his knowledge of cultural sensitivities and of geopolitics greatly enhance our students’ understanding of international business practices. I am absolutely delighted that he has received Canada’s most prestigious teaching award.”  The award recognizes exceptional achievements and contributions by teacher-scholars across Canada. Elango is the ninth UVic scholar to receive this honour since its inception. Read more.

Brent Mainprize

2019 Provost's Engaged Scholar

For over 20 years, Mainprize has committed to meaningful scholarly engagement with Indigenous communities. He is passionate about leaving an enduring impact in the communities he works with—a vast network of reciprocal partnerships that spans the country. Read more.

 

Dr. Monika Winn

2016 President's Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Leadership 

“This is a great tribute to the wonderful work that Monika has done both within the school and throughout the university,” says Dr. Saul Klein, dean of the Gustavson School of Business. Since arriving at UVic in 1995 as a business and strategy scholar and instructor, Winn has flown the sustainability flag right across campus and within the Gustavson School of Business. Read more.

Frank Low

2016 University of Victoria Community Leadership Award

The honor acknowledges outstanding leadership in linking UVic and the community for greater public benefit. Established in 2004, the prestigious Victoria Leadership Awards honour the distinguished accomplishments of everyday heroes, recognized for their community leadership, service and achievement. Led by Leadership Victoria, the event is a collaboration with the University of Victoria, the Rotary Clubs of Greater Victoria, the Victoria Foundation, and the United Way Greater Victoria - five partners in recognizing and promoting leadership. Read more.

Dr. A.R. (Elango) Elangovan

University of Victoria Distinguished Professor

UVic has appointed Dr. A. R. (Elango) Elangovan, a University of Victoria Distinguished Professor.  This distinction is the highest academic honour UVic can bestow on a faculty member.  The designation was created to highlight remarkable achievement by a faculty member in both teaching and scholarly research.  Fellow faculty member and student comments are taken into consideration when assessing the teaching abilities of distinguished professors, while research must be recognized in the international academic community as being of exceptionally high calibre.

“Elango fits this description perfectly,” says dean Saul Klein “This latest accolade is a wonderful tribute to the extraordinary contributions that he has made to UVic.”

Elango will give a lecture highlighting his research as part of the University’s Distinguished Lecture Series. He will also participate with fellow Distinguished professors on an advisory council, offering advice to the university on ways in which teaching and research can be further integrated and enriched.

UVic has bestowed this honour on only twelve faculty members since the creation of the designation in 2002. Recipients are chosen by the VP Academic Provost, the VP Research and a faculty member who has already been bestowed the title.

Bill Anderson

2015 University of Victoria Community Leadership Award

The honor acknowledges outstanding leadership in linking UVic and the community for greater public benefit. Established in 2004, the prestigious Victoria Leadership Awards honour the distinguished accomplishments of everyday heroes, recognized for their community leadership, service and achievement. Led by Leadership Victoria, the event is a collaboration with the University of Victoria, the Rotary Clubs of Greater Victoria, the Victoria Foundation, and the United Way Greater Victoria - five partners in recognizing and promoting leadership. Read more.

Dr. Ana Maria Peredo

2013 University of Victoria Community Leadership Award

The honor acknowledges outstanding leadership in linking UVic and the community for greater public benefit. Established in 2004, the prestigious Victoria Leadership Awards honour the distinguished accomplishments of everyday heroes, recognized for their community leadership, service and achievement. Led by Leadership Victoria, the event is a collaboration with the University of Victoria, the Rotary Clubs of Greater Victoria, the Victoria Foundation, and the United Way Greater Victoria - five partners in recognizing and promoting leadership.

2013 Craigdarroch Award for Excellence in Knowledge Mobilization 

This award recognizes a specific project, product, service or body of work that demonstrates excellence in Knowledge Mobilization (KM), defined as the purposeful communication, exchange and application of knowledge developed through an ongoing process of research and/or creative and artistic endeavour for the benefit of society.

The Harry Hickman Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership is the highest award for teaching excellence at the University of Victoria. It bears the name of Harry Hickman who had a distinguished career as a scholar, teacher, and principal of Victoria College. He was acting president of the University of Victoria, and head of the Modern Languages and French departments. This award is open to Regular Faculty at UVic.

Dr. Brian Leacock

2018 recipient

Brian Leacock possesses a wealth of experience as a dedicated teacher, an ardent educationalist, and as an expert in cross-cultural management. His contributions to educational leadership include a long history of impact and innovation in teaching methods, curriculum development, assessment technologies and a structured approach to learning about other cultures. One of Brian’s most valued qualities is his compassion: Brian cares deeply and sincerely about his students, and creates a relationship of trust both within and outside the classroom, nurturing the growth of students through mentorship, personalized feedback and a uniquely empathetic approach to teaching and learning in cross-cultural environments. These achievements and more have earned Brian the respect, admiration and gratitude of his colleagues and students – and deservedly, the 2018 UVic Harry Hickman Award for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership.

Dr. Brent Mainprize

2016 recipient

Entrepreneurial expert Dr. Brent Mainprize strives to help his students feel the transformational power of education, instead of simply gaining knowledge. Over almost 20 years teaching at UVic, he has continually improved his curriculum to challenge students to be better entrepreneurs, through innovative exercises like the venture challenge (start with $5 and build a business in a month) and creating and pitching a business plan. He is the founder and program director of Northwest Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs (NW-ACE), a program that takes business education to Aboriginal communities. His passion for entrepreneurial education reaches even farther with VIQ™, or Venture Intelligence Quotient, a software-based venture development tool used around the world that helps students determine the possibilities and potential weaknesses of start-up propositions.

Dr. Mark Colgate

2013 recipient

Mark is renowned for his dedication to his students, his innovative teaching style, and his promotion of Gustavson beyond the university. From coaching and service management tools, to using the 8 Moments of Power methodology, he teaches our students how to keep customers, build better relationships, deliver world-class service, and sell more effectively. Mark has the attributes of a world class teacher: with his success in engaging students, in sharing his knowledge in the classroom and his passion for mentoring and coaching other teaching faculty.

 

The Gilian Sherwin Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching bears the name of a former senior lab instructor in the Geography department who, for 21 years, was a strong supporter of better teaching at the university, an active member of the advisory committee of the Learning and Teaching Centre, and a regular participant in the training of teaching assistants. This award is a tribute to Gilian Sherwin’s commitment to the art of teaching and the influence she had on many students and colleagues. This award is open to Sessional Lecturers, Lab Instructors, and Senior Lab Instructors at UVic.

Mark Bridge

2016 recipient

“I think he should coach other profs on how to teach, because he's got it down!” says one student of Professor Mark Bridge’s business law class at the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. Bridge, a graduate of UVic’s Faculty of Law, uses an engaging classroom style and focuses on helping students apply law to business situations they might expect to meet in life. As a first-time instructor at UVic in 1993, his course was such a success that students sent an unsolicited letter to the Dean of Law recommending he stay on so that future students could benefit from his teaching. He has also been a major contributor to programs like NW-ACE, UVic’s Business Law Clinic, and various scholarship and training initiatives.

Gustavson celebrates excellence through our own awards program which annually recognizes faculty and staff members for excellence in research, teaching, service and innovation. The awards are handed out at the Festival of Distinction.

The Leader of Excellence in Research Award is presented to those who demonstrate an exemplary generation of knowledge and regularly producing globally recognized, high quality research aligned with our areas of scholarly focus. 

2020

2018

2016

  • Graham Brown, Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship, Tim Price Entrepreneurship Fellow
  • Yan Shen, Assistant Professor, International Business, Organizational Behavior

2015

  • Matt Murphy, Assistant Professor, Sustainability & Strategy

2014

  • Monika Winn, Professor & Francis G. Winspear Scholar, Business Strategy & Sustainability

2013

  • Graham Brown, Assistant Professor, Entrepreneurship, Tim Price Entrepreneurship Fellow

2012

  • Wade Danis, Associate Professor, International Business

2011

  • Charlene Zietsma, Associate Professor & Francis G. Winspear Scholar, Strategy & Entrepreneurship

2010

  • Marilyn Uy, Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour & Entrepreneurship

2009

  • Monika Winn, Associate Professor, Business Strategy & Sustainability

2008

  • Brock Smith, Professor & Francis G. Winspear Scholar, Entrepreneurship

2007

2006

  • Anthony Goerzen, Associate Professor & Winspear Scholar, Strategy & International Business

2005

  • Anthony Goerzen, Associate Professor & Winspear Scholar, Strategy & International Business

2005

  • Ana Maria Peredo, Associate Professor, Sustainable Entrepreneurship & International Business

2004

  • A.R. Elangovan, Associate Professor, Organizational Behaviour
  • Ron Mitchell, Professor & Winspear Scholar, Entrepreneurship

The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to those who give our main stakeholders, our students, the best possible educational experience, along with sharing their professional knowledge, skills and tools for Gustavson’s business leaders.

2020

2019

2018

2017

  • Mia Maki, Assistant Teaching Professor

2016

  • Mark Colgate, Associate Professor, Service Management, Marketing

2015

  • Brian Leacock, Assistant Teaching Professor; Associate Director, International Programs

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

  • Michael Valente, Assistant Professor

2008

2007

  • Mark Colgate, Associate Professor, Service Management, Marketing

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

  • Chris Janssen, Adjunct Professor

2001

2000

1999

  • Chris Janssen, Adjunct Professor

Lifetime Contribution for Teaching Excellence

2015

2006

Commerce Student Society

2012

2011

2010

2009

  • Dr. Mike Valente, Assistant Professor

2008

  • No award presented

2007

2006

2005

2004

  • Dr. Mark Colgate, Associate Professor
  • Ms. Thea Vakil, Adjunct Associate Professor

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

MBA Professor of the Year Awards

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
  • No award presented
2005
  • No award presented
2004 2003
  • Dr. Chris Janssen, Adjunct Professor
2002
  • No award presented
2001 2000 1999
  • Dr. Chris Janssen, Adjunct Professor

The Excellence in Service Award is presented to those who provide commendable assistance in many administrative duties and school responsibilities, such as program and centre organization, specialization leadership, committee membership, and project development. 

2020

2019

  • Brian Leacock, Assistant Teaching Professor; Associate Director, International Programs

2018

2017

2016

2015

  • Ms. Heather Ranson, Assistant Teaching Professor, Service Management; Associate Director, Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation (CSSI)

2014

  • Dr. Vivien Corwin, Director, MBA Program - Excellence in Service
  • Leah Wilcock, MBA Data Analysis & Logistics Coordinator, MBA Programs - Service, Team Player
  • Nicole Wallace, Coordinator, Executive Programs - Service, Going Above and Beyond

2013

2012

2011

2010

  • Dr. Jen Baggs, Associate Professor
  • Mr. James Fraser, Web & Data Base Developer/IT Supervisor
  • Ms. Wendy Mah, PhD Program Manager & Special Projects
  • Ms. Aby Tannas, Secretary, External Relations

2009

2008

2007

2006

  • Dr. David McCutcheon, Associate Professor
  • Ms. Lisa Russell, Special Projects and Accreditation Officer

2005

2004

2003

 

The Excellence in Innovation Award is awarded to a faculty or staff member or team who is/are creative, has bright ideas and takes the initiative to create new processes, programs etc. in order to improve the School and assist in meeting our goals. The last Excellence in Innovation Award was presented in 2018 and has since been replaced with the Pillar Award.

2018

2017

2016

  • David Dunne. Professor, Service Innovation, Design, International Marketing

2015

  • Jennifer Gill, Experiential Learning Manager, BCom Program

2014

2013

2012

  • Tzena Bennallack, Coordinator, Executive Programs

2011

2010

  • External Relations Team: Krista Boehnert, Alumni Officer, Pat Elemans, Assistant Dean, Dianne George, Communications Officer, Cristy Hartman, Development Officer, Aby Tannas, Secretary, Nicole Peulen, Administrative Assistant

2009

  • Pat Elemans, Assistant Dean
  • Entrepreneurship Team, Brock Smith, Professor, Mia Maki, Senior Instructor, Brent Mainprize, Senior Instructor, Marilyn Uy, Lecturer, Charlene Zietsma, Assistant Professor, Aegean Leung, Assistant Professor, Ana Maria Peredo, Associate Professor, Lynne Siemens, Limited Term Professor

2008

2007

The Team Player Award honours staff members who proactively collaborate with others, support their team, participate fully, and contribute 100% to team performance.

2020


2019

2018

2017

  • Wendy Mah, Program Manager, PhD Program, Special Projects Officer

2016

  • Brad Erikson, MBA Co-op Coordinator, Business Co-op

2015

The Gustavson Spirit Award honours staff members who embody our Gustavson values: People, Purpose, Passion, and Adventure. These recipients are those who often go “the extra mile” and exceed performance expectations.

2020

2019

  • Elsa Yan, Exchange Student Advisor, International Programs

2018

  • Will Clarke, Desktop Support Analyst

2017

2016

  • Rachelle Chamberlain, Information Clerk, BCom Program

2015

The Gustavson Pillar Award is awarded to a staff member who best embodies one or more of our pillars: International, Integrative, Innovative, and Socially Responsible/Sustainable.

2020

2019

  • Sheryl Karras, Director Administration, Pre-experience Masters Programs

The IAB Community Engagement Award was established by our International Advisory Board and is being funded by 6 of its current and past members. The award recognizes faculty members who actively engage with the local business community in ways that are critical for the long-term success of the Gustavson School of Business. Each year, the IAB Community Engagement Award is given to a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional community engagement. 

If you would like more information about supporting the IAB Community Engagement Award, or other areas of need at the Gustavson School of Business, please contact Amanda Taylor, Senior Development Officer at bizdev@uvic.ca.

Dr. Brent Mainprize

2020 Recipient

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Brent Mainprize received the award in 2020 as he plays the leading role in our engagement with indigenous communities and has been responsible for our large executive education portfolio in this area. He creatively and successfully secures funding from, and works with, provincial and federal governments to position our offerings. Brent exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of the School and raises our profile both locally and nationally.

 

 

Dr. Steve Tax

2019 Recipient

sized-stevetax.jpg Steve Tax was recognized with the award in 2019 due to his notable role as a member of the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) External Advisory Panel on Service. Through his contributions on the panel, Steve provided expertise, experience and lessons learned to support the CRA’s service transformation. Tax is joined on the board by other senior experts from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to provide advice on emerging trends, design practice, service delivery and innovation. Steve’s research knowledge and customer service expertise were also highlighted—particularly in its application at the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, where he gathered data on his idea of customer service as a performance.

 

Dr. Sudhir Nair

2018 Recipient

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Sudhir Nair received the award in 2018, as he created strong community connections through his involvement with the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria and the Greater Victoria Local-Immigrant Partnership. Sudhir’s strategic institutional knowledge and support were acknowledged, as they have enabled the facilitation of services for new immigrants in the area, and helped the local non-for-profit and business communities to build capacity to provide services for newcomers to Victoria.

Dr. Brock Smith

2017 Recipient

smithj.jpg Brock Smith was celebrated as the 2017 recipient of this award on account of his expertise as a thought leader in media and community discussions. Specializing in marketing and entrepreneurship, Brock’s contributions as an active consultant and board member for business initiatives in Vancouver and Victoria were also recognized. In multiple occasions, Smith has also served as a judge of Canada’s Next Ad Exec Competition. 

Prof. Mia Maki

2016 Recipient

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Mia Maki was acknowledged as the 2016 recipient of the award because of her active engagement with the business and non-profit communities, including her work with VIATec and the Victoria Foundation. Maki was also recognized for her involvement with the CMA Society of BC, the CPA Western School of Business, and Archipelago Marine Research. Additionally, her regular contributions to a wide variety of community events (as a volunteer, speaker, facilitator, judge, moderator, etc.) were celebrated.

 

Dr. Rebecca Grant

Inaugural 2015 Recipient

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Rebecca Grant was chosen as the inaugural recipient of the award, as she exemplified extraordinary community engagement. Through her various roles in the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce; her organizing of the RBC case competition; extensive media interviews; and by serving on the United Way of Greater Victoria Campaign Cabinet, she strongly engaged with the business community and elevated the School’s profile. Grant was also recognized for her work as part of the Advisory Committee of Ballet Victoria, and Douglas Magazine “10 to watch” awards (where she served as a judge). Her involvement in many boards (including the TELUS Community Board, the Tourism Victoria Board, the finance committee of the Victoria Foundation, and her various roles with Junior Achievement of BC) highlighted her powerful connection to the business community.

 

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