Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Awards of Excellence
Learn about the annual Minister’s Awards of Excellence and how you can help recognize postsecondary faculty, staff and graduate students with a nomination.
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