President's Medals, Distinguished Service Awards and Research Scholar Awards honour current employees of the University of New Brunswick, or those who have retired within one calendar year preceding the call for nominations.
President's Medals, Distinguished Service Awards and Research Scholar Awards are awarded for outstanding service to the university which may include teaching, research, administrative contributions, or any combination thereof.
The President’s Awards were established by the University of New Brunswick Senates and Board of Governors in 2000. A maximum of three President’s Medals, ten Distinguished Services Awards, two University Research Scholar Awards and three University Teaching Awards are given in any academic year.
This award is the highest honor the university community can bestow. The President’s Medal is awarded to an individual who has had a significant impact on the University of New Brunswick and its community. The recipient of this award has an exemplary record of sustained service and acknowledged contribution to the quality of life at the University of New Brunswick. The candidate's career should be distinguished by a dedication to the fulfillment of the University’s Strategic Vision and must reflect the core values of the University. This prestigious award is open to current members of the faculty and staff, or those who have retired within one calendar year preceding the call for nominations.
The President’s Distinguished Service Awards recognize exceptional performance, leadership and service by faculty or staff for outstanding service to the university which may include teaching, research, administrative contributions, or any combination thereof. The recipients have provided exemplary service to the university, over a sustained period of time, over and above the normal requirements of their positions. Distinguished service awards are open to current members of the faculty and support staff, or those who have retired within one calendar year preceding the call for nominations.
The University Teaching Scholar award recognizes University of New Brunswick teachers who have demonstrated a consistently high level of teaching excellence and teaching-related activities.
The University Research Scholar is awarded to researchers who have demonstrated a consistently high level of scholarship and whose research is, or has the potential to be, of international stature.
Karen Annett joined UNB’s Fredericton campus in the electrical & computer engineering department in 2001 as an administrative assistant and then joined the chemical engineering department in September 2015. She has been a pivotal member of both departments and the University.
Karen has so many attributes that make chemical engineering and UNB a great place to work. Faculty, staff and students have all come to rely on Karen's friendly and helpful manner. Her knowledge, organizational skills and work preparation, especially during peak times during the academic year, help to make the workflow of the office run smoothly. The department office is typically a revolving door of people coming in asking for her assistance or input on workplace issues.
Karen is always willing to lend a hand and is one of the first to volunteer to assist where needed. She has been extensively involved in various union-related activities and committees, notably serving as unit vice-president and SALAC vice president. She has contributed to the Job Reclassification and Appeals Committee for over a decade and co-founded the Positive Work Environment & Workers Rights Committee for UNIFOR. Additionally, Karen has been an active member of several labour management teams and has organized initiatives, such as Christmas baskets for UNIFOR members and food, clothing and feminine product drives for Gignoo Transition House. She has also been instrumental in organizing Labour Day events and, with the Human Rights Officer, co-organizing May Day Information Day.
Dr. Sandra Byers has held a faculty appointment at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) since 1978. Renowned internationally for her groundbreaking work in sexuality research, she has transformed understanding in this field, particularly regarding sexual well-being among vulnerable groups. Recognized as the world expert on sexual satisfaction, Sandra’s work has positively impacted thousands, earning her prestigious awards and the distinction of being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
With over 140 studies published in leading journals and edited books, her work has been cited by researchers in over 40 countries, demonstrating its extensive international impact. Sandra has secured research funding to conduct pioneering studies across various facets of human sexuality and is noted for translating research into practice, serving on national and international task forces related to sexual health.
Active in developing new sexual scientists and clinical psychologists, Sandra has played a key role in growing the Canadian Sex Research Forum and has mentored over 100 undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students at UNB, as well as students and scholars internationally.
In addition to her academic contributions, Sandra has shown strong leadership within UNB, serving as chair of the psychology department since 2003 and acting associate dean of arts. She led the establishment of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research and has been instrumental in various important initiatives, demonstrating exceptional commitment to the university's mission and goals. Sandra’s wide-ranging impact extends beyond UNB, positively influencing students, faculty and communities globally.
Since joining the UNB Saint John campus in 2003, Dr. Idris Gadoura (iidris gaduwra) has consistently exemplified an unparalleled commitment to service excellence. His dedication to nurturing positive student relationships garners high regard. Since becoming chair of the engineering department in July 2019, he devised a strategic roadmap aligning with university priorities, introducing programs like environmental engineering and positioning UNB as a pioneer in sustainable education.
Under Idris's guidance, the introduction of the environmental engineering program stands as a hallmark achievement, addressing contemporary societal needs and attracting a diverse pool of students passionate about environmental stewardship. Furthermore, his innovative 2+2+1 initiative bridges diploma holders to advanced studies, attracting international interest from organizations like J.D. Irving, Limited, the McKenna Institute and the Marshall Skills Academy from the UK. This initiative not only fosters academic progression but also cultivates a more diverse and skilled talent pool within the university, positively impacting research and industry collaborations.
Working with UNB recruitment, Idris established and now oversees the annual UNBSJ Engineering Day. The inaugural event in 2022 attracted approximately 150 grade 11 students and teachers, facilitating discussions on various engineering disciplines and career aspirations while engaging in diverse engineering activities.
Idris’s visionary leadership expands academic offerings, fostering a promising future for both the department and the university. His commitment to innovation and excellence sets a high standard in academia, leaving a profound and lasting impact on UNB.
Angela Garnett has a long and distinguished record of service to UNB. Having begun her career in higher education at two other institutions, Angela joined Student Services at UNB in 2002, moving from assistant roles to senior leadership in residence, student life, finance and operations and is now the senior executive officer and advisor to the provost.
While her long service has been notable, her leadership since the provost transition has been marked by exceptional service to the institution. Angela had capably undertaken the finance and operations portfolio, directing and managing over $30 million in resources. At the same time, she took on a new role as senior advisor, focusing on special projects and assuring best practice excellence in student affairs.
She managed two jobs with grace while waiting on the hiring of her operations replacement. She also played a crucial role as a key leader and served as the primary contact throughout the food service request for proposal process, as well as overseeing the ongoing onboarding of the successful company. That was a herculean task that required much leadership, fortitude, student focus and the ability to communicate complex issues well. She handled that process with excellence and, as with much of her leadership and service, our university and students are better for it.
Over the past year, she had essentially worked almost two roles full-time while over-delivering on both and remaining a positive influence for change.
Born and raised in New Brunswick, Wilfred Langmaid began his UNB journey in 1978 as a Beaverbrook Scholar. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science, he returned to teach and serve as the Anglican Chaplain within Campus Ministry in 1998. In this role, Wilfred fostered community and spiritual well-being among the diverse student body.
Wilfred’s impact shines brightest as a student advocate with Student Affairs & Services. For nearly two decades, he has been a trusted voice, advisor and advocate for students facing academic challenges. He helps over 10,000 students annually with transparency and integrity. As the first student advocate on the Fredericton campus, he streamlined systems to better serve the UNB community.
Wilfred's commitment extends to committee work, contributing significantly to university governance and student welfare. Additionally, his musical talents have reverberated through UNB, notably with the launch of the Student Services Virtual Kitchen Party during the pandemic, capturing national attention.
His commitment reflects his deep care for the UNB community. His contributions have enriched the lives of students, faculty and staff alike. His dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and support within the university community resonates through his multifaceted roles and initiatives. Wilfred's legacy at UNB is one of service, compassion and unwavering dedication to the betterment of the university and all its members.
Dr. Stephen E. Schryer is a professor in the department of English on UNB’s Fredericton campus, where he began his career in 2009. He is the author of three highly regarded scholarly monographs: Conservative Circuits: National Review’s Literary Network; Maximum Feasible Participation: American Literature and the War on Poverty; and Fantasies of the New Class: Ideologies of Professionalism in Post-World War II American Fiction, and numerous essays in books, top-tier scholarly journals, book reviews and encyclopedia articles. His work has highlighted a variety of currents of American politics in literature and sheds light on literature’s impacts on social and political life. Implicitly interdisciplinary and always provocative, Stephen’s body of work engages with sociology, history, economics and political science to make the case for fiction’s transformative power.
His current project focuses on post-World War II American fiction, and in this context, Stephen is tracing for the first-time, significant connections between neoliberalism and the so-called “Golden Age” of science fiction (1930s-1960s). The early result of this new research – an essay that compares the portrayal of free market utopias by noted science fiction author Robert Heinlein to the policies of conservative economist Milton Freedman – has just been published in Science Fiction Studies (the premiere North American journal in sci-fi scholarship) and has already been described as groundbreaking in its scope and originality.
Dr. Hilary Young, a respected figure in UNB's law faculty, specializes in defamation, tort and health law. Her research has left a significant mark on legal scholarship and reform globally. Notably, her expertise in defamation law has garnered attention, with her works cited by esteemed courts including Canada's Supreme Court. Hilary's influence extends beyond academia; she's actively engaged in law reform projects across Canada and internationally. For instance, she contributed to the Law Commission of Ontario's Defamation in the Internet Age project, shaping its final report significantly.
Furthermore, Hilary's efforts have led to tangible legal changes, such as the adoption of a model law for removing non-consensual intimate images from the internet in New Brunswick and PEI. Her contributions to tort law and health law are equally notable, culminating in co-authoring leading legal treatises and publishing in reputable journals.
Her commitment to research is underscored by consistent external funding and numerous conference presentations over the past decade. Hilary is not only an accomplished scholar but also actively engages in public legal education, collaborating with various organizations and contributing to media discussions on legal issues, including COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
Moreover, she plays a pivotal role in mentoring junior colleagues, providing guidance on grant applications, facilitating scholarly discussions and contributing as a peer reviewer. Hilary's multifaceted contributions enrich both the academic and public spheres of law.
President's Medal
Distinguished Service
University Research Scholar
President's Medal
Distinguished Service
University Teaching Scholar
University Research Scholar
President’s Medals
Distinguished Service Awards
University Research Scholars
Distinguished Service Awards
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
Special Recognition Award
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
