Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues–January 2026, Issue 1
Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues has become a meaningful way for our community to celebrate one another. To date, 172 submissions have highlighted the exceptional work and dedication of our colleagues.
In response to the ongoing interest and participation, submissions will continue to be featured in upcoming issues of Campus Connector. Read the first set of submissions for January 2026 (organized in alphabetical order) below.
Thank you to everyone who has shared stories celebrating their colleagues—it’s inspiring to see our community come together to recognize those who go above and beyond every day.
Submissions for next month are now open! Share your note of recognition by the last Friday of the month, and let’s continue celebrating the amazing colleagues who make our campus shine. For more details on the program, including links to past issues and details on how to make a submission, please click here.
Professor Rabin Bissessur, Faculty of Science
Professor Bissessur is an outstanding professor, highly respected and liked by his students for his supportive teaching style and strong commitment to student success. His research record is remarkable, with many undergraduate and graduate students participating in significant projects that help them build real research skills. In his previous role as Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, he did an excellent job of supporting faculty and students and advancing graduate education across the institution. Professor Bissessur is also a great colleague—kind, respectful, and always willing to help others. He works well with faculty, staff, and students; fosters a positive, collaborative environment; and is someone people truly enjoy working with.
Benjamin Cameron, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences
Ben is an exceptional person to work with. We have been collaborating for over a year now, and it has been a truly positive experience. For me as a new instructor, having his support made overcoming many challenges much easier. He is highly proactive, responsible, and always willing to step in whenever needed. Working with Ben has been both inspiring and motivating, and I truly appreciate his dedication and support.
Carol Caverley, Faculty of Education
Carol has given heart and soul to her position as School and Community Liaison, and especially to the students and practicum advisors she supports. She coordinates all aspects of our students’ practicum experiences in PEI, across Canada, and in Indigenous and international contexts. Carol goes above and beyond the call of duty. Sadly, she is retiring from this position at the end of February 2026. She will be sorely missed. We thank her for all she has done in the time she served in this pivotal role in our students’ Bachelor of Education program. – Miles Turnbull
Jaime Clarke, Materials Management Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Jaime always has a smile on her face and even in the toughest situations strives to set an example of what a good colleague and leader should be.
Donna Hardy Cox, Associate Vice-President, Students
Donna just started in the AVPS role on November 3, 2025, and already she has shown such kindness and a great understanding of student issues. She is so approachable and respectful and always open to chatting and seeing how we can work together to support students. It is hard to be new at any university, especially in a role such as hers, and she is doing a GREAT job. UPEI is lucky to have her!!!!
Dr. Brenton Dickieson, Faculty of Arts
I want to congratulate Brenton in his new role as University 1000 Coordinator/Coordinator of the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS). Brenton brings a wealth of experience to his new role and is dedicated to student success at UPEI. He is also the host and founding producer of the “MaudCast: The Official Podcast of the L.M. Montgomery Institute”; and a founding member of the Curiosity and Inquiry Research and Collaboration Lab (CIRCL). Brenton is an innovative and caring professor who understands the importance of helping students adjust to life and learning within the university environment. He and his team are helping students to develop the attitudes, study strategies, and broad communication and research skills they need to thrive throughout their post-secondary experience.
Facilities Management Team
A big shout out to our facilities team for their long hours and hard work to fix the issues in the KCI Chemistry building. There are many who have been working non-stop to have things fixed and back in place for students, faculty, researchers, and staff. A big thank you to all!!
Emily Finkle, Comptroller’s Office
Recognizing you for the exceptional work you do every day. You consistently go above and beyond in your role, and your positivity brings meaningful energy to the team and the campus. You support your budget clients with outstanding care and dedication, always taking the extra step to ensure they’re set up for success. Your commitment to continuous improvement doesn’t go unnoticed, and it truly makes a difference. The University is very fortunate to have you here.
Rebecca Gill, Faculty of Medicine
It is a pleasure to recognize a truly remarkable colleague, Rebecca Gill, Director of Strategic Priorities and Policy Development for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island.
As a valued member of the faculty’s senior leadership team, Rebecca plays a critically important role in providing strategic leadership across several key priorities. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the development of the Memorial Regional Campus at UPEI, leading health system integration mapping, providing oversight of policy development, and helping lead planning efforts that are shaping the future of medical education in Prince Edward Island.
Rebecca is known for her collaborative approach, exceptional attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to advancing meaningful work. She is an excellent communicator who consistently builds strong, trusting relationships with colleagues and partners, and she demonstrates a genuine dedication to strengthening our organizational culture.
As a testament to Rebecca’s leadership and potential, she has recently been selected to participate in the prestigious Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. This highly competitive program accepts only 250 emerging leaders from across the country every three years for a transformative leadership experience focused on positioning emerging leaders to tackle Canada’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Congratulations, Rebecca, on this well-deserved recognition and on your continued leadership and impact. – Paul Young
Terri Jackson, Faculty of Education
Despite being relatively new to the faculty, Terri has not hesitated to step into much needed service roles. She consistently aids in the smooth functioning of the faculty as well as offers innovative ideas for our development. She does this alongside her substantial research agenda for which she has received a major grant.
Taewoo Kim, Comptroller's Office
A quick shout‑out for the impact you’ve made since joining the Comptroller’s Office. Even though you’re still relatively new to the University, you’ve jumped right in and become someone the whole team can count on. You’re sharp, quick to learn, and always willing to help out, which makes working with you really easy and enjoyable. Your positive attitude and the way you approach problems make a big difference day to day. It’s been great having you on the team!
