People, Equity & Inclusion

Nursing dean named Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing

Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine, dean of the Faculty of Nursing, was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing in recognition of her global leadership in nursing education, research and health policy. (FILE/University of Windsor)Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine, dean of the Faculty of Nursing, was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing in recognition of her global leadership in nursing education, research and health policy. (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle 

Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine, dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Windsor, will be inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing on Oct. 29, in recognition of her global impact on nursing education, leadership and policy. 

The Fellowship, one of the highest honours awarded by the Canadian Nurses Association, recognizes Canada’s most accomplished nursing leaders whose influence extends across clinical practice, education, administration, research and health policy. 

Celebrating excellence, inclusion, and impact: 2025 People, Equity & Inclusion Awards

President J.J. McMurtry stands with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Awards recipients.

By John-Paul Bonadonna

Leadership, innovation and compassion were celebrated at the University of Windsor’s 2025 People, Equity & Inclusion Awards, held Thursday Oct. 2 in the Alumni Auditorium.

The event was hosted by the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion, and brought together the Employee Recognition Awards and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Awards into a single celebration.

UWindsor joins Age-Friendly University Global Network

Sunset houseThe University of Windsor has officially become a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, affirming its commitment to promoting inclusive higher education.

The University of Windsor has officially become a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU), an international consortium of higher education institutions advancing opportunities for learners of all ages. 

By joining this global community, UWindsor affirms its commitment to promoting inclusive higher education through teaching, research and community engagement. 

University of Windsor Law launches significant Indigenous child welfare initiative

Alphonse Aquash, a traditional knowledge holder from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, opened the gathering during the Bill C-92 initiative announcement on Thursday, Sept. 27. (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)Alphonse Aquash, a traditional knowledge holder from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, opened the gathering during the Bill C-92 initiative announcement on Thursday, Sept. 27. (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao 

On Thursday, Sept. 27, the University of Windsor Faculty of Law unveiled an important initiative designed to protect and uplift Indigenous children across Ontario. 

By enhancing legal representation in child welfare cases, the project aims to keep children safely within their families and communities—allowing them to grow up surrounded by their culture, identity and support networks. 

Researchers investigate potential health risks linked to Arctic permafrost thaw

the down gradient form the slump which shows  a network  of mud flows , iron oxide (rusty looking) microbial mats which have colonized the melted perma frostA researcher stands below the slump, where muddy water flows through a network of channels. Rust-coloured microbial mats cover the surface, growing where the permafrost has melted. [Photo courtesy of Chris Weisener]

By Sara Elliott

As the once permanently frozen ground known as permafrost rapidly thaws in the Canadian Arctic, emerging health threats loom.  

Researchers at the University of Windsor are using modern science and Indigenous knowledge to address the emerging issue.  

Black Scholars Institute makes its mark on campus community and beyond

Dr. Camisha SibblisDr. Camisha Sibblis, director of the Black Scholars Institute, speaking at the official launch of the Insititute on Sept. 26, 2024.

By Sarah Sacheli

Community. Belonging. Support.  

Dr. Festus Moasun says he has found all that and more at the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor. 

UWindsor grad helps lead business revival and regional growth

Clark WiebeClark Wiebe (MBA '18), chief operating officer of Coachwood Group, credits his University of Windsor education and Windsor’s entrepreneurial spirit for helping drive the company’s rapid growth and brand revival. (FILES/University of Windsor)

University of Windsor graduate Clark Wiebe (MBA '18) is helping drive the rapid expansion of one of Windsor’s fastest-growing business groups—Coachwood Group—and leading the turnaround of a major consumer brand.

Wiebe joined Coachwood in 2018 as a sales representative and now serves as chief operating officer.

He played a central role in reviving BioSteel, a bankrupt sports drink brand that became profitable within six months of acquisition.

From Windsor to the world: Nursing alum’s bold journey

Photo of Farah Laurent.Farah Laurent is a Nurse Career Coach and founder of International Nurse Coach LLC. (Photo courtesy of Farah Laurent)

By John-Paul Bonadonna

As a student of the University of Windsor’s Nursing program in the early 2000s, Farah Laurent had no idea that her journey would one day lead her to national television, keynote stages and the frontlines of healthcare education across North America.

But the seeds of ambition and advocacy were already deeply rooted, and they’ve since flourished into a transformative nursing career that blends leadership, entrepreneurship and global influence.

Alum awarded Order of Canada for professional research

Dr. Cheryl Forchuk standing in front of a brick wall.Dr. Cheryl Forchuk, Order of Canada Appointee (Photo courtesy of Dr. Forchuk)

By John-Paul Bonadonna

Cheryl Forchuk, a proud alum of the University of Windsor, has been appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of her transformative work advocating for people experiencing homelessness and those facing mental health challenges.

The award is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, naming Dr. Forchuk an Officer Appointee on June 30.

“It’s a wonderful recognition,” said Forchuk.