College of Arts and Science celebrates outstanding staff

Banjo Olaleye and Amanda Terry are the winners of the College of Arts and Science’s Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award for 2023.

The annual award, presented to two people each year, recognizes staff members who have made an extraordinary contribution to the working environment of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan.

Eight staff members were nominated for the award this year. Along with Olaleye and Terry, the nominees were Cecil Bitusis (financial coordinator, Administrative Support Group), Robyn Corcoran (manager of undergraduate student services and records, Undergraduate Student Office), Michelle Jarvin (executive administrator, Department of Indigenous Studies / Administrative Support Group), Todd Lyons (sculpture laboratory technician, Department of Art and Art History), Brigitte McGhee (awards officer, Administrative Support Group), and Maureen Powell (graduate programs coordinator, Department of Computer Science / Administrative Support Group).

Dr. Peta Bonham-Smith (PhD), dean of the College of Arts and Science, presented the awards at a meeting of Faculty Council on May 16.

Banjo Olaleye

Director of Undergraduate Student Advising
Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO)

Banjo Olaleye is responsible for leading and guiding the processes of undergraduate advising in the College of Arts and Science.

Previously an undergraduate advisor and later a team lead for his unit, Olaleye has long been viewed as a mentor and source of advice by others in his office. Since being appointed director of undergraduate student advising, Olaleye has fostered a culture of stability, empathy and collaboration in the UGSO.

As a leader, Olaleye ensures his team members’ achievements are recognized and that their professional growth is supported. He values ideas and input from all members of his team, and uses this input to take decisive action.

Olaleye has implemented numerous changes in the UGSO to better support his colleagues and improve services to students. These include the creation of a new advising partnership with the Biomedical Sciences Office in the College of Medicine, which has led to increased communication and teamwork between the two colleges while enhancing student learning.

Olaleye has been a trusted advisor to countless students on academic programming questions and personal situations. As both an advisor and a leader, he has been an encouraging, genuine and positive presence in the College of Arts and Science.

Amanda Terry

Office Coordinator
Department of Political Studies / Administrative Support Group (ASG)

Amanda Terry has a wide range of duties involving day-to-day administrative support for the Department of Political Studies, and meets these responsibilities with a positive attitude and a high level of competency.

Terry’s door is always open to students, who have learned to come to her for advice and support. She works tirelessly to answer their questions and solve their problems.

Terry has built an outstanding working relationship with the Political Studies Student Association, providing valuable help with promoting the group’s events, booking venues and applying for funding.

With her peers, Terry is respectful, collaborative and quick to share her extensive knowledge of college systems and processes. She has been a peer advisor to many new office coordinators and has spearheaded new ways for ASG staff to improve their skills, including work bees.

A recent example of Terry going above and beyond the responsibilities of her job was the annual Timlin Lecture recently hosted by the Department of Political Studies. Terry not only organized and promoted the event to great success, but went to extra effort to ensure the guest speaker had a positive experience throughout her visit.

A creative, supportive and caring member of her team, Terry has earned the respect and admiration of students, faculty and staff.

Learn more about the Dean’s Distinguished Staff Award and view past recipients on the award webpage.

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