The Leadership program is proud to celebrate our award-winning faculty and students!

Ella Annis, a graduating student in Psychology with an Option in Leadership won the 2026 Student Teaching Award of Excellence in the undergraduate category. The award recognizes Ella’s efforts to support and empower students as they navigate course work and the array of support available at Laurier, something she does across multiple roles: as a Peer Academic Coach with Student Success, Teaching Assistant in the first-year Leadership Foundations course with Dr. Lisa Kuron, and dance instructor with Laurier Recreational Dance.

In talking about her approach to teaching, Ella notes that “grounding my teaching in finding ways to enhance learners’ self-efficacy was an intentional choice, inspired by my Leadership and Psychology courses. I am so grateful to my mentors and mentees for their guidance and support as I truly believe that relationships and community enhance the learning process.”

In April 2026, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) recognized Leadership faculty member Dr. Lisa Kuron with the OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes educators who are passionate and committed to student success, with nominees and winners selected by the students at Wilfrid Laurier. As an Assistant Professor in Leadership, Dr. Kuron has also been recognized for teaching excellence as the inaugural winner of the Dr. Leo Groarke Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Laurier Brantford (2025), and in 2023 with the Early Career Excellence (2023).

“It means so much to be recognized and appreciated by the students of Laurier. It is an incredible reminder of why I teach the way I do: to empower each student to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference through intentional choices and reflection,” says Dr. Kuron.

Thank you Ella and Dr. Kuron for your commitment to leadership and learning at Laurier!