ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTIC UNIVERSITIES
2026 Recipients of the AAU Regional Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership Announced

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) announced the recipients of its annual Regional Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership.

The three AAU Teaching Award recipients are: Dr. Ami Goulden, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL; Dr. Rachelle Pascoe-Deslauriers, Associate Professor, Ron Joyce Centre for Business/Department of Commerce and Feminist & Gender Studies, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB; and Dr. Heather Schmidt, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS.

AAU member universities proposed nominees for the Teaching Awards program and recipients are selected by the AAU's Coordinating Committee on Faculty Development.

Dr. Schmidt received the 2026 AAU Anne Marie MacKinnon Educational Leadership Award. This award recognizes an individual who significantly influences teaching practice and the quality and breadth of student learning experiences beyond their own teaching assignment and context.

Dr. Goulden and Dr. Pascoe-Deslauriers, each received the 2026 AAU Distinguished Teaching Award. This award recognizes excellence in university teaching over a number of years, primarily at the undergraduate level.

Dr. Andrew Hakin, President and Vice Chancellor, St. Francis Xavier University and Chair, AAU, said, "Celebrating student success, innovation, and leadership, the AAU Teaching Awards recognize exceptional educators across Atlantic universities. Today's recipients lead the way in classrooms, laboratories, and communities alike. Their passion for teaching ensures an outstanding educational experience, empowering students to become tomorrow's scholars and community leaders."

The AAU represents the 16 universities in Atlantic Canada and serves as an advocate for the important role Atlantic universities play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation and in contributing to the economic prosperity and quality of life of the Atlantic region.