Dr. Jennifer Pettit, PhD, has dedicated more than 28 years to shaping MRU’s academic culture and identity through visionary leadership and exceptional service. Beginning her Mount Royal career in 1997, she has served as a faculty member, department chair and now dean of the Faculty of Arts, demonstrating consistent dedication to advancing the University’s mission and values.

Pettit has been instrumental in helping to developi foundational initiatives, including MRU’s tenure system, the General Education program and the Indigenization journey. She played a leading role in establishing the Indigenous Studies program and minor and the Treaty 7 Field School, fostering lasting institutional change. Beyond her formal roles, Pettit has contributed to more than 125 committees and initiatives, spanning governance, faculty development, equity and academic excellence.

Known for integrity, insight and collaborative leadership, Pettit transforms challenges into opportunities and supports the growth of colleagues and students alike. Her remarkable contributions have left a profound mark on MRU’s academic and community landscape. She embodies sustained, authentic leadership and is a highly deserving recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Connie Van der Byl, PhD, is an inspiring and visionary leader whose collaborative and inclusive approach has helped shape the research culture at Mount Royal University. As Associate Vice-President, Research, Scholarship, and Community Engagement, Van der Byl demonstrates exceptional leadership grounded in integrity, transparency and a deep commitment to empowering others.

She led the development of MRU’s 2024 Research Plan through a highly consultative, inclusive process that engaged faculty across all disciplines. Her ability to foster meaningful dialogue, even in complex or sensitive situations, has earned her respect. She creates space for diverse voices and leads with purpose — setting clear expectations while supporting others to lead, contribute, and grow.

Innovative initiatives like the Sustainability Research Collision series, as well as her support for undergraduate research and strategic resource allocation, demonstrate her commitment to collaboration, creativity and long-term impact. Her collaboration with the Associate and Vice Deans of Research and researchers alike has strengthened MRU’s scholarly capacity and culture.

Van der Byl exemplifies the values of service, engagement and innovation. Her ability to inspire progress, develop talent, and build strategic connections has positively impacted MRU’s research community.

Ray DePaul has been instrumental in strengthening Mount Royal’s role as a positive, innovative force in the Calgary community. As executive director of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, DePaul has spent more than 13 years creating impactful programs that connect students with local organizations, drive social and economic innovation, and expand MRU’s presence far beyond campus walls.

Under DePaul’s guidance, initiatives like LaunchPad and Growth Catalyst have engaged more than 1,300 students and 1,800 community members in 2024 alone. Participating businesses have seen measurable growth while students gain practical, paid experience and valuable entrepreneurial skills. DePaul’s work has fostered partnerships with Calgary Economic Development, Alberta Innovates, Platform Calgary, local startups, government agencies and post-secondary institutions, exemplifying collaboration, inclusion and sustainability.

Through each initiative, he builds bridges between MRU and the broader community, increasing the University’s visibility, reputation and positive impact. DePaul’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and community engagement ensures that MRU continues to thrive as a university that serves Calgary, its people and its economy. His leadership makes him a deserving recipient of the President’s Community Connections Award.

Dr. Kenna Olsen, PhD, is a visionary leader whose influence at MRU extends across disciplines, departments and communities. As a Professor of Medieval English Literatures and Languages and Vice Dean of Research, Scholarship, and Community Engagement for the Faculty of Arts, she champions collaboration, innovation and inclusivity, bringing people together to strengthen teaching, research and outreach efforts.

Olsen co-founded the Phoenix Rising initiative, creating a dynamic platform for faculty research to flourish. This initiative has grown into events that bring the university together with the broader community; for instance, the Phoenix at the Plaza Theatre panels, such as The Empathy Crisis and Fear & Uncertainty, have engaged faculty, leadership, external partners and donors. These gatherings have had a lasting impact on MRU’s research culture, fostering dialogue and elevating the profile of the Faculty of Arts.

Her efforts to amplify the Faculty of Arts’ voice extend to partnerships with Marketing and Communications, highlighted by a Winter 2025 faculty tour showcasing undergraduate research, teaching labs and emerging opportunities for storytelling and donor engagement. She also supports emerging scholars through mentorship, research committees and inclusive professional development programs. Known for her ability to translate across perspectives, Olsen connects people and ideas in ways that strengthen collaboration and build a more inclusive, outward-facing MRU.

Aliya Jomha exemplifies academic, athletic and community excellence. Graduating with a 3.88 GPA in Honours Psychology, she is a four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, recognized nationally for her performance and leadership. In addition to being a record-setting leader on the Cougars women’s hockey team, Jomha was named Mount Royal’s Female Athlete of the Year 2024/25. On the international stage, she represented Canada, winning a silver medal at the 2025 FISU Games in Italy.

Her honors research includes studies on athletic status and help-seeking behaviour, which earned a Faculty of Arts Showcase Award. She has also previously been awarded for presentations at MRU Research and Scholarship Days as well as a Library Excellence Award. Jomha also volunteered more than 200 hours at the Calgary Distress Centre and contributed to depression-related research at the University of Calgary. Furthermore, as she begins her masters studies in psychiatry, Jomha will be receiving funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. 

Known for discipline, humility and perseverance, Jomha inspires teammates, peers and faculty. Her achievements in athletics, academics and service demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a desire to positively impact the community. She embodies MRU values of leadership, scholarship and engagement, leaving a legacy that sets a standard for future students and enhances the University community.

Tania Willumsen has strengthened MRU’s community connections through leadership, advocacy and philanthropy. Serving on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2017 to 2024, including terms as chair of both the Finance Committee and the Board, she applied her expertise in governance, investment management and strategic planning to advance the University’s mission and vision.

Her outreach during the pandemic helped secure nearly $3 million in philanthropic support for MRU’s aviation program, which led to an additional $11 million in government funding. These efforts created lasting opportunities for students and enhanced the University’s reputation in applied education. Beyond the Foundation, she has contributed to arts, health and children’s welfare organizations, giving her time, insight and energy to strengthen Calgary’s broader community.

Through her work, she has fostered partnerships, inspired investment in students and created programs with lasting impact. Willumsen’s generosity, leadership and unwavering support embody what it means to be an MRU community ambassador.

Dr. Julie Booke, PhD, has transformed the student learning experience in the Department of Health and Physical Education by creating innovative course materials that respond directly to student needs. Recognizing that the existing leadership textbook, while rich in real-world examples, was outdated and less relevant to current students, Booke led the development of a new, custom resource.

Co-ordinating a team of 12 contributors, including faculty, students, contract instructors and administrators, Booke produced a textbook grounded in authentic leadership stories from health, sport and physical education sectors. The resource now anchors HPED 1020: Leadership and Communication, offering students narratives on Indigenous leadership, crisis management, international experiences and community engagement.

The textbook has deepened student understanding, strengthened application of leadership theory and helped students see how they can take initiative in their communities. Encouraged by positive feedback, Booke is expanding the project with an audiobook and podcast series to increase accessibility and reach. Through creativity, collaboration and a focus on practical impact, her work exemplifies innovation that directly benefits learning and sets a new standard for course materials at MRU.

Dr. Brady Killough, PhD, has quickly established himself as an exceptional leader at MRU as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computing. In a few short years, he has strengthened collaboration, supported faculty development and guided departmental growth with strategic vision, clarity and a calm, approachable presence.

Killough’s transparent communication, problem-solving skills and thoughtful leadership were key to navigating challenges such as significant program expansion and the G-wing renovation while maintaining high team morale and cohesion. He played an instrumental role in launching the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and expanding the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems and Computer Science programs, ensuring both quality and innovation in curriculum development.

He also champions mentorship and professional development, fostering cross-career-stage support and offering guidance to tenurable faculty. Beyond the department, Killough contributes to university-wide committees, professional development initiatives and dispute resolution processes. Colleagues describe him as fair, caring and respectful, and his leadership continues to foster an inclusive, supportive and high-functioning environment. Killough’s steady dedication to progress and his department’s success make him a deserving recipient of the Emerging Leader Award.

Beverly Van Horne is a cornerstone of leadership in the MRU Library, known across campus for mentorship, collaboration and a strong commitment to service. She leads with influence, empathy and expertise, supporting fulfillment, Reserves and collection maintenance work with care and professionalism.

She empowers colleagues through training and guidance, creating an environment where learning, growth and questions are encouraged. Van Horne is a trusted mentor for new Staff and Casual student employees, consistently praised for her pragmatic problem-solving, encouragement and ability to inspire others toward shared goals.

Her contributions extend to multiple Library leadership and implementation teams, helping shape user-centred services and improving access to essential tools and technologies across campus. Beyond her department, she is an engaged campus citizen, volunteering at Convocation and New Student Orientation, participating in Indigenization initiatives and serving in key roles with the Mount Royal Staff Association. Through her leadership from within, Van Horne inspires colleagues, strengthens community and ensures the Library continues to meet the evolving needs of MRU students and employees.

Research Compliance Officer Dr. Priscilla Wamucii, PhD, ensures the integrity and quality of MRU research by supporting the Human Research Ethics Board. She oversees all aspects of ethics review, from initial applications to amendments and final reports, safeguarding compliance with regulatory and ethical standards for research involving human participants.

Her meticulous work enables faculty and students to conduct research with confidence, while her constructive feedback and mentorship help strengthen methodology and scholarly rigour. Researchers frequently highlight her guidance as critical to their development, noting how it improves both research outcomes and their own skills.

Wamucii has also introduced process improvements that streamline operations, reduce delays and support the board’s members, demonstrating foresight and dedication. Her solutions-oriented approach, deep expertise and commitment to ethical practice make her indispensable to MRU’s research culture. Through her behind-the-scenes work, Wamucii ensures that the University maintains high standards, fosters meaningful scholarship and cultivates the next generation of ethical, skilled researchers.

 Jessica Mossière has dedicated more than a decade to supporting MRU students in global learning, guiding hundreds through exchange programs, international work experiences and transformative study opportunities. She combines deep institutional knowledge with a steady, student-focused approach that builds trust and confidence in every participant.

Mossière works closely with students to plan academic pathways, troubleshoot challenges and ensure international experiences are meaningful, safe and rewarding. She is known for her calm presence, patience and ability to tailor guidance to individual needs, helping students navigate complex decisions with assurance.

Beyond direct support, Mossière creates new outbound opportunities and connects alumni through initiatives such as the Where Are They Now Instagram series, fostering an ongoing global community. Her efforts enrich both current students’ experiences and MRU’s broader international presence. Through dedication, compassion and consistent excellence, Mossière ensures that students not only succeed academically but gain skills, perspectives and confidence that carry far beyond university. She exemplifies service excellence in every aspect of her work.