Assiniboine welcomes Edwards School’s new dean

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This article was published 05/11/2024 (541 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Assiniboine College welcomed Nicole Gaudette as the new dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment on Monday.

Gaudette brings a robust background in post-secondary research, innovation and policy development, which will be instrumental in furthering the school’s mission to advance learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture and environmental practices, a press release from the college Monday stated.

Mark Frison, the president of Assiniboine, said with Gaudette’s leadership, the Edwards School will continue to build strong connections across Canada’s agricultural technology ecosystem.

Frison stated in the press release that the Edwards School “will participate in high-impact research that addresses the needs of local, national and global communities.

“Nicole’s appointment reinforces Assiniboine College’s dedication to applied research that has practical, real-world applications, and to developing talent that is ready to drive change in the agriculture, environment and related technology sectors.”

Gaudette served with the Province of Alberta as the director of post-secondary research and innovation strategy in the Ministry of Advanced Education, the release stated.

The new dean said she is honoured to be joining a “strong team” with passion and dedication to the student experience, the industry and the community.

“The opportunity to work with the team to tackle challenges and opportunities that have an impact on our school, college, partners and stakeholders excites me. After spending over a decade in Alberta, I’m eager to meet new people and develop strong relationships in the community and across Manitoba,” Gaudette said in the release.

“I’m very much looking forward to listening and learning from those in the Edwards School, the college, and in the community, including the agriculture and agri-food industries — to hear and understand their perspective about the challenges and opportunities.”

Born in Regina, Gaudette’s immediate family has roots in agriculture, with her father dedicated to farming land southeast of the city.

Following the completion of her PhD, Gaudette joined the Food Processing Development Centre in Leduc, Alta., as a senior sensory scientist within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and was an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, the college’s release stated.

College vice-president (academic) Deanna Rexe said Gaudette will be a tremendous complement and leader to “our strong, passionate team at Assiniboine.”

“Her deep knowledge and extensive experience in research, innovation and policy development will align well with our commitment to foster students that embrace educational excellence, promote sustainability and serve to bolster the growing agriculture and agri-food sector,” Rexe said.

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