Assiniboine College is welcoming Dr. Nicole Gaudette as the new Dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment. According to a media release, “Gaudette brings a robust background in post-secondary research, innovation, and policy development, which will be instrumental in furthering the School’s mission to advance learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture and environmental practices, as well being instrumental in the next phase of the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture project.”
“With Dr. Gaudette’s leadership, the Edwards School will continue to build strong connections across Canada’s agricultural technology ecosystem and participate in high-impact research that addresses the needs of local, national, and global communities,” said Mark Frison, President, Assiniboine College. “Nicole’s appointment reinforces Assiniboine College’s dedication to applied research that has practical, real-world applications, and to developing talent that is ready to drive change in the agriculture, environment and related technology sectors.”
Most recently, Dr. Gaudette served with the Province of Alberta as the Director of Post-Secondary Research and Innovation Strategy in the Ministry of Advanced Education.
“l am honoured to be joining a strong team with passion and dedication to the student experience, the industry and our community. The opportunity to work with the team to tackle challenges and opportunities that have impact for our school, college, partners and stakeholders excites me.” said Gaudette. “After spending over a decade in Alberta, I’m eager to meet new people and develop strong relationships in the community and across Manitoba. I’m very much looking forward to listening and learning from those in the Edwards School, the college, and in the community, including the agriculture and agri-food industries – to hear and understand their perspective about the challenges and opportunities.”
Born in Regina, Dr. Gaudette’s immediate family has roots in agriculture, with her father dedicated to farming land southeast of the city. Following the completion of her PhD, Gaudette joined the Food Processing Development Centre in Leduc, Alberta as a Senior Sensory Scientist within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and was Adjunct Professor in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. She subsequently held various roles with the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) and the Government of Alberta. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Regina, a BSc in human nutrition from the University of Manitoba, and a PhD in sensory science from Brock University, studying at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. She remains an active learner and is currently pursuing a part-time MBA at the University of Alberta.
“We look forward to the future of the Edwards School and know Dr. Gaudette will be a tremendous complement and leader to our strong, passionate team at Assiniboine.” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President Academic at Assiniboine College. “Her deep knowledge and extensive experience in research, innovation, and policy development will align well with our commitment to foster students that embrace educational excellence, promote sustainability, and serve to bolster the growing agriculture and agri-food sector.”
As Dean of the Edwards School, Gaudette will lead the implementation of strategies designed to increase research revenue through federal programs, expand research opportunities, and promote industry-post-secondary collaborations, with a primary focus on working with faculty and staff to ensure that graduates of the Edwards School are well-equipped with the skills and competencies needed to meet the demands of today’s agriculture and environmental sectors.
