Overview

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the ministry’s Awards of Excellence. The awards recognize the extraordinary work of professors, instructors, staff and graduate students at:

  • Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities
  • Indigenous Institutes
  • private postsecondary institutions
  • career colleges

The awards help us celebrate those who inspire us for their leadership, vision and innovation, and working to build a better Ontario.

How to make your nomination

Nominations for the 2023–2024 Minister’s Awards of Excellence have closed. Please see the list of winners below.

Categories for the 2023–2024 Minister’s Awards of Excellence

There are 5 award categories:

Everyday heroes

Faculty and staff who have stepped up and made a difference in the lives of their students, colleagues or the public.

Future-proofing Ontario’s students

Faculty and staff who have led the way in adapting programs that support new ways of learning.

Equality of opportunity

Faculty and staff who have excelled at creating opportunities in postsecondary education for marginalized and under-represented groups.

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Faculty and staff who are working with industry and business to drive economic development.

Rising star

Graduate students and early career professionals who are making a difference in education, inspiring students or carrying out innovative research in the postsecondary education sector.

Winners for 2023-24

The winners of the 2023-24 Minister’s Awards of Excellence in each of the five award categories are:

Everyday heroes

  • Dr. Olivia Ghosh-Swaby, Western University
  • Dr. Galina Scolnic, University of Windsor

Future-proofing Ontario’s students

  • Prof. Anna Pearson, Nipissing University

Equality of opportunity

  • Dr. Sterling Crowe, Humber Polytechnic

Innovation and entrepreneurship

  • Prof. Satinder Kaur Brar, York University

Rising star

  • Olivia Baudet, Collège Boréal