The 2019 convocation ceremonies saw a number of faculty awarded for their excellence
Convocation is a time to celebrate the success of our students, it is also an opportunity
to recognize the contributions of our faculty members. Through the Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching and Applied Research Award of Excellence we acknowledge outstanding faculty members who go above and beyond.
“Saskatchewan Polytechnic is recognized for its expertise in applied research and
for employment-ready graduates,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. “This success
is due to the dedication of our faculty who teach our students practical skills and
demonstrate how to be innovative contributors to Saskatchewan's economic and social
development.”
This year, Sask Polytech recognized five faculty members, who demonstrated excellence
in teaching. Recipients of the award created inclusive classrooms, inspired success
in skills development and employed the latest technologies to enhance learning and
embody Sask Polytech’s core values. The Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching recipients are:
Anthony Voykin, instructor, Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program (Saskatoon)
Anthony brings a high level of expertise to the classroom and lab. He also creates
a supportive and encouraging environment, which is positive and conducive to student
success. Anthony makes sure his students are ready for graduation by aligning their
instruction with the expectations that an employer would have of a new employee. He
works closely with students to ensure they understand the relevance and theories of
the material he teaches. As well, Anthony is constantly exposing his students to new
technology and industry standards. By creating a learning environment that supports
the growth of his students, he is able to foster confidence and professional success.
Beyond his teaching expertise, Anthony has worked collaboratively with other institutions,
including the University of Saskatchewan, on several applied research projects.
Owen Wisner, instructor, Medical Radiologic Technology and Combined Laboratory and
X-Ray Technology program (Saskatoon)
Owen has a strong knowledge base in the field of Medical Radiation Technology, based
on his more than 20 years in the profession. Known for his strong work ethic and communication
skills, Owen is excellent at the use of various learning technologies, has extensive
curriculum development experience and serves on several national professional committees.
Owen’s nominators say that one of his strongest attributes is his ability to communicate
with others; he is great at sharing valuable insights in meetings and fostering common
understanding among his peers. Owen demonstrates a caring, inclusive environment for
all of his students, offering equal time and help to anyone who needs it.
Susan Zimmer, instructor, Correctional Studies program (Prince Albert)
Susan was a corrections officer at Pinegrove Provincial Centre before joining Sask
Polytech as an instructor in the Aboriginal Policing Preparation certificate program.
She is now an instructor in the Correctional Studies diploma program. In this role,
she creates an environment where all students look forward to participating and learning.
She is non-judgmental, encouraging and inclusive. Susan has high expectations of her
students and always offers positive and constructive feedback. She recognizes the
validity of sharing between instructors and regularly shares resources with other
faculty to support organizational excellence. Susan is a team player who understands
the importance and power of collaboration with students and faculty.
Paula Mayer, instructor, Continuing Care Assistant program (Regina)
Paula is an engaging and dynamic instructor in our Continuing Care Assistant program.
Each day she demonstrates her passion for caregiving, be it in the classroom or in
lab settings. Paula is student-centred. She does more than just teach course content.
She seeks to mold attitudes, behaviours and skills to inspire holistic caregivers
who practice from the heart. She is a fierce advocate for compassionate, competent,
health-centred care. And she is an instructor who does everything she can to help
students who are struggling get back on track.
Allison Hall, instructor, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing
program (Regina)
Allison is a passionate educator. In lectures, Allison’s content is well-organized,
evidence-based, current and delivered with enthusiasm. In smaller lab and clinical
groups, she is personable, adaptive and encouraging. Allison empowers her students
to take responsibility for their own learning, while at the same time providing constructive
feedback and constant support. Even though many of the concepts in nursing are complex,
Allison always finds a way to make the material understandable. She creates a warm
atmosphere where mistakes are normalized and discussion is encouraged. A registered
nurse, Allison is also a role model both for students as well as new faculty in the
clinical area.
At Sask Polytech, we solve real-world problems and come up with solutions to everyday challenges. Sask Polytech owes our strong reputation for success in applied research to the commitment and expertise of our faculty and researchers. This year, Sask Polytech recognized two faculty members who made significant contributions in the areas of applied research and innovation. The Applied Research Award of Excellence recipients are:
Dr. Madeline Press, director, Centre for Health, Research, Improvement & Scholarship
(Saskatoon)
Dr. Press is a nationally recognized researcher with experience in both applied and
nursing research. Her research is focused on community-based interventions to develop
best practices in end-of-life care to support patients, families and other caregivers
and patient-oriented research. A highly respected collaborative research partner,
Dr. Press is valued by the faculty of Sask Polytech, the University of Regina and
the University of Saskatchewan for her knowledge, collegiality and work ethic. In
collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Press was instrumental in bringing
one of the largest research grants that Sask Polytech has ever received for a project
to enhance safety engagement in the Saskatchewan mining industry. 
David Halstead, instructor and senior researcher, Natural Resources Technology programs
(Prince Albert)
With nearly a quarter-century history as an instructor and senior researcher within
the School of Natural Resources and Built Environment, Dave has been a pioneer of
research within Sask Polytech. His dedication to applied research has been demonstrated
through his work ethic to the numerous applied research projects he has been involved
with. Dave was one of the first instructors to become fully employed in research when
SIAST transformed into Saskatchewan Polytechnic. His projects use the latest technology;
he often works with drones, imaging sensors (multispectral, hyperspectral, and Lidar
technology) and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology to look at
the natural environment through a new set of eyes. He did not hesitate to embrace
the opportunity to transform Sask Polytech into the more research-centric institution
that it is today. Dave has prioritized student involvement in most of his applied
research projects. Working with Dave and industry partners, students are able to apply
newly acquired knowledge directly to solving real world problems. New innovative ways
of seeing the world are often one of the positive results of these applied research
collaborations.
Congratulations to this year's Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching and Applied Research Award for Excellence recipients. We are extremely fortunate to have faculty that are experts in their
fields and leaders in post-secondary education. Thank you for all you do for our students
and institution.