Safety. Dignity. Belonging.

Two men standing indoors, smiling at the camera. Both wear glasses and black jackets with the Athabasca University logo. The man on the left has a bald head, and the man on the right has short dark hair. The background appears to be a plain white wall or glass panel.

Richard Dixon — Dean Of Business, Athabasca University

In 2021, I took part in the first delivery of Athabasca University’s ADMN 405 - an AI-powered course that was the first of its kind, leveraging artificial intelligence to create a cooperative learning experience. Upon completion, I was invited back to assist with grading and with the ongoing development of ADMN 405 - work I continue to support today.

In short, then-Professor Richard Dixon, through ADMN 405, stretched my mind and opened doors to what becomes possible when we are encouraged to think bigger and push further - forever changing the trajectory of my life.

An elderly man wearing a gray herringbone coat, a matching flat cap, and glasses, standing in front of vibrant orange and green autumn leaves, holding a walking cane with a gold handle.

Darryl Davies — Professor Of Criminology, Carleton University

The late Professor Darryl Davies, a Criminology professor at Carleton University and one of Canada’s foremost scholars on RCMP and policing issues, invited me into his research world, to learn from him, observe his approach to teaching and research. I’m deeply grateful for that experience, and I draw on it today in how I engage with learners, colleagues, and thinkers.

"WE TEACH WHAT WE KNOW, BUT WE REPRODUCE WHAT WE ARE." JOHN C. MAXWELL

In my role supporting co-op learners, I work with students navigating academic transitions, personal challenges, and moments of crisis. This has included supporting learners recovering from major accidents, others facing severe emotional distress, and students simply trying to find their footing during periods of uncertainty.

Some LGBTQ+ learners have even shared that being explicitly affirmed including hearing that they do not need to change who they are was profoundly meaningful. For learners who have spent years concealing parts of their identity, creating an environment of safety, dignity, and belonging is life-changing.

My work focuses on mentorship, confidence-building, connection to community resources, and cultivating spaces where learners feel seen, valued, and capable of succeeding inside and outside the classroom. I also design my own learning materials, including custom slide decks built from real experiences, research, and leadership frameworks. These resources combine storytelling, practical tools, and clear structure to help learners connect ideas with real-world action. Most recently, a three-student team I supervised won Lambton College's college-wide IIP Challenge, with executive judges recognizing them as the strongest team in the competition's history.

Because at the end of the day, education isn't just what happens in a classroom, it's what happens when someone finally feels safe enough to become who they were always meant to be.