TORONTO, Oct, 21, 2021 – Kathryn Plaisance, an Associate Professor in the Department of Knowledge Integration at the University of Waterloo, has been named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). She is receiving a 2020-2021 OCUFA Teaching Award for her outstanding contributions to the quality of higher education at Ontario’s universities.
“One of the qualities that set Kathryn Plaisance apart as an educator, is that she sees students as key stakeholders in their own learning,” said Associate Professor Edmund Pries, Chair of OCUFA’s Award Committee. “She creates a safe and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to take risks, share their vulnerabilities, and integrate an understanding of their own identities and beliefs into their work.”
The other recipients of a 2020-2021 OCUFA Teaching Award are:
- Melanie Adrian, Associate Professor in the Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University
- Annette Bailey, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Ryerson/X University
- Mairi Cowan, Associate Professor in the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga
- Rosa da Silva, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at McMaster University
- Dragana Obradović, Associate Professor in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Toronto
- Micah Stickel, Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto
“The work of Ontario’s university professors and academic librarians touches the life of every student who pursues a university education in Ontario and inspires them to embrace new ideas and build a brighter future,” said OCUFA President Sue Wurtele. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s recipients have distinguished themselves through their dedication and boundless energy. OCUFA is honoured to recognize them with teaching and librarianship awards.”
The recipients of the 49th annual TALA awards are being honoured in a special video celebrating their achievements.
Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 professors and academic librarians in 30 faculty associations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education in Ontario and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members towards creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Ben Lewis, Communications Lead at 416-306-6033 or communications@ocufa.on.ca