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A roundup of awards and achievements by Athabasca University faculty, staff, students, and alumni

At Athabasca University, we find inspiration in our students' journeys toward reaching their highest potential so they can help transform the communities in which they live and serve.

We are equally proud of the work of our researchers, who are tackling important challenges in our communities and beyond, and of the efforts of all team members who support AU's mission.

Do you know a member of the ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓcommunity who deserves a high five? Submit an accolade!

January Accolades

• ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓresearcher welcomed as the Muriel Gold Visiting Professor  
• Business alum named among Canada’s Top 50 Women Leaders 
• Student recognized with Métis leadership award 

ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓresearcher welcomed as the Muriel Gold Visiting Professor

Dr. Tobias Wiggins, associate professor of women’s and gender studies, has been  at McGill University. 

During his time at the university’s Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, he will develop research and offer seminars about topics such as trans methodologies, transphobic countertransference, and trans sexuality. 

Wiggins’ research at ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓfocuses on trans issues, including his role as director of , an interdisciplinary research hub supporting qualitative, theoretical, and arts-based research in transgender studies.

Business alum named among Canada’s Top 50 Women Leaders

Camille Weleschuk (Master of Business Administration ’20) has been recognized as one of  by Women We Admire. The organization recognizes and celebrates women who are shaping the future of business and advancing leadership excellence nationwide.

Weleschuk, a vice-president with ATB Financial, was recognized for her leadership and contributions to organizational growth within Canada’s financial services sector. 

Student recognized with Métis leadership award 

Molly Salter, Bachelor of Arts student and research assistant in the Faculty of Health Disciplines, has been named the 2025 recipient of the  

The award honours the legacy of Bruce Gladue, a respected advocate for Métis rights and self-government. It recognizes individuals who demonstrates outstanding leadership, influence, and commitment to advancing Métis self-government, rights, and self-determination. 

December Accolades

• Architecture chair joins Alberta Association of Architects council 
• Researcher contributes to international environmental report 
• MBA grad honoured with tech award 
• MBA grad recognized among Men Leaders to Look Up To in 2025 
• Business alum named president and CEO of ATB Financial 
• Doctoral candidate to lead provincial public appointment commission 
• Business alum named Influential Woman in Business 
• MBA grad named among 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 
• Business grad to release second book on people-first entrepreneurship 

Architecture chair joins Alberta Association of Architects council 

Dr. Henry Tsang, chair of the RAIC Centre for Architecture, will share his expertise in a new role with the provincial body responsible for regulating architects. 

 he would take on a new role with the  council. In his new role, he will support the architectural profession through governance and strategic leadership. 

Tsang is an associate professor, award-winning architect, principal of , and a fellow and advisor of the . 

Researcher contributes to international environmental report

Dr. Janelle Baker, cultural anthropologist and associate professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, contributed to the seventh edition of the  report. Baker was the sole Canadian on the Indigenous and Local Knowledge task force and served as lead author of chapters 8 and 16. 

Released in December 2025, the GEO-7 report, which is a product of 287 multi-disciplinary scientists from 82 countries, reviews the latest science and provides options for decision makers to address environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future. 

MBA grad honoured with tech award 

Richard Hannah (Master of Business Administration ’05) has been  at the Techies Who Made IT Awards 2025, Alberta Chapter. 

He’s recognized for building high-performing teams and driving innovation with purpose, and currently serves as the vice-president of information management and technology and CIO at the Alberta Energy Regulator.  

The Techies Who Made IT Awards for the Alberta Chapter are part of a global recognition program celebrating tech leaders. This event serves as a key networking platform for Alberta's tech ecosystem. 

MBA grad recognized among Men Leaders to Look Up To in 2025 

Amar Sidhu (Master of Business Administration ’06) has been featured in  recognizing his 33 years of experience supporting and transforming teams and organizations across the globe. 

He is recognized for his people-first approach to leadership, his work supporting organizational transformation, and his role in co-founding E3Performance, where he helps leaders build clarity, purpose, and sustainable success. In the feature, he says his recognition reflects “a genuine commitment to serving others,” emphasizing how his leadership philosophy is based on people, not positions. 

The recognition celebrates leaders who demonstrate integrity, service, and meaningful impact through their work. 

Business alum named president and CEO of ATB Financial 

Chris Turchansky (Master of Business Administration ’11) will bring his education and business experience to a new role serving Albertans. 

, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He has nearly 30 years in Alberta’s financial services sector, including 20 years at ATB where he has held senior leadership roles. 

“I am honored and excited to step into this role,” Turchansky said in the media release. “It’s a privilege to lead an organization guided by a strong purpose and to work alongside ATB’s team members supporting clients across Alberta.” 

Doctoral candidate to lead provincial public appointment commission 

Karen McCarthy (Doctor of Business Administration candidate) has been appointed to lead the  

She is vice-president of communications and corporate affairs at Fortis Inc., and brings extensive experience in corporate governance, leadership, and public affairs. 

The commission’s mandate is to give merit-based recommendations of qualified individuals for appointment in the province’s 30 agencies, boards, and commissions. 

Business alum named Influential Woman in Business 

Haleh Alexander (Master of Business Administration ’04)  as one of  

The award recognizes vision, influence, and lasting contributions across British Columbia. She is among honourees who have made significant impacts within their sectors and the communities they support.

Alexander brings more than 30 years of experience to her current role as vice-president with National Bank of Canada, leading a team of senior private bankers, mentoring futuring leaders, and working in the community as a board member at Lions Gate Hospital and vice-president with the Association of Women in Finance.

MBA grad named among 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 

Mariat Jabrial (Master of Business Administration ’17) has been named one of the . This national recognition celebrates Black women whose leadership and community impact are advancing equity across Canada. 

Based in Vancouver, she was recognized for her dedicated work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and for her work supporting organizations across British Columbia and Canada. She serves as the lead for , further advancing Black entrepreneurship and leadership.  

The 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women initiative honours individuals whose professional achievements and community contributions are creating meaningful change. Honourees will be celebrated at a national ceremony in September 2026.

Business grad to release second book on people-first entrepreneurship 

Kathy Cowan Sahadath (Master of Business Administration ’04), president and change consultant at Case Consulting, , Entrepreneurial Learning at Work: Building People-First Ventures in a Changing World, in early 2026. 

Drawing on her work in entrepreneurship, leadership, and organizational transformation, the book explores how founders and leaders can build sustainable ventures grounded in learning, purpose, and people-centered practices.