John Jackson investigated the experiences of registered psychiatric nurses working in Manitoba, writing a study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.

“I feel this is ground-breaking research,” says Jackson, who has just completed his third year in BU’s Psychiatric Nursing program. “There is a lot of existing research in specific areas of psychiatric nursing including children and the elderly but very little about the challenges facing nurses themselves.”

Jackson initiated the research, partnering with Dr. Patrick Morrissette, professor of Psychiatric Nursing at BU to co-author the article. Dr. Morrissette says he does not know of another undergraduate student within the program who has conducted and published research as the principal author.

“John saw a need and carried through,” says Dr. Morrissette. “He has shown that important research can be conducted at the undergraduate level at small teaching-oriented institutions such as ours.”

Jackson is presenting his findings this weekend in Winnipeg, MB at the World Congress of Psychiatric Nurses. View the full journal article at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpm.12064/full.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Robertson is one of the most trusted faces in TV news, spending 35 years as Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of the country’s most-watched national newscast, CTV National News. A broadcaster since 1952, Robertson is a three-time Gemini award winner, and member of both the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada.

“Lloyd’s efforts as a journalist and communicator have made Canada a better place,” says BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff. “We applaud his career, his contributions and his national pride.”

In addition to television work, Robertson was honourary chairperson of the Terry Fox Run. In 2006, he received an honourary degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.

Robertson will receive his BU degree next month, along with 600 BU graduating students.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Kayla Koivisto, a third year student in BU’s Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies program, will attend University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, returning to BU for graduation in the spring of 2014.

“This is a great opportunity for me to gain new experiences and meet new people,” says Koivisto, who hails from the Prince Albert area in northern Saskatchewan. “Coming to Brandon for university is the farthest I have ever travelled, so I’m really looking forward to this.”

The National Student Exchange (NSE) places 2,000 students each year among universities and baccalaureate-granting colleges within Canada, the US, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Guam.

NSE students can access programs not offered at their home institution, research grad schools, or simply experience living away from home.

BU’s Dean of Students, David Rowland, says students end up all over the world through these institutional partnerships. “This year, one of our NSE students is going to England,” says Rowland. “In the past, BU students have attended universities in the US, Australia, Germany and India. They do so at a terrific cost-savings because our students pay BU tuition which is often substantially more economical than other institutions.”

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Michael Decter is President and CEO of the investment company LDIC Inc., author of eight books and popular lecturer with the National Speakers Bureau. A former Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario and Cabinet Secretary in the Government of Manitoba, Decter was the founding Chair of the Health Council of Canada and continues to serve with numerous non-profit health care organizations.

“Michael brings incredible depth to BU, through both his career experiences and vast network,” says University President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff. “We welcome Michael and anticipate that his leadership will help us grow as an institution during his term as Chancellor.”

The BU Senate ratified Decter’s appointment this week. He will be officially installed May 31^st during Convocation, taking over from Henry Champ who passed away in September 2012 during his second term as Chancellor.

Decter, a native Manitoban and recipient of the Order of Canada, served on the Brandon University Foundation and as Chair of the Stanley Knowles Distinguished Professorship Endowment Campaign in the 1980s.  He now resides in Ontario.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Figures released today by BU’s Admissions Department show that 636 persons have applied to attend the University as new students beginning this fall. That compares to 528 in February 2012, 619 in 2011 and 567 in 2010. BU’s overall annual enrollment exceeds 3,000.

“This year to date, we have seen a substantial increase in student applications,” says Murray Kerr, Director of Admissions. “This number includes international and domestic, graduate, undergrad and EAP students – anyone considering BU.”

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says the numbers show a strong commitment to higher education and, in particular, Brandon University. “Students, parents and alumni recognize that we offer a quality of education unavailable at other institutions. We are proud of that and welcome each student who chooses BU.”

Students wishing to be considered for BU’s substantial scholarship program must apply by March 1^st. Over the past year, the University has awarded more than $1.4-million dollars in scholarships.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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Dr. Fearon holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and is currently Dean, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto. Dr. Fearon previously served as an Associate Dean for Academics and Students at York University. He is the recipient of awards for teaching excellence and has published in numerous academic journals. Prior to his work in post-secondary education, Dr. Fearon served with the Treasury Board at the Ontario Ministry of Finance as well as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“I am thrilled to be joining Brandon University,” says Dr. Fearon. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the University as well as to the Brandon community.”

As part of the senior executive team, Dr. Fearon will develop and promote academic programming and research advancement, overseeing the Faculties of Arts, Sciences, Health Studies and Education; and the School of Music. He will also oversee Graduate Studies; Campus Manitoba; Student and Registrarial Services; Library Services; and Information Technology Services.

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says, “Dr. Fearon is an experienced academic leader and administrator. He has a commitment to community engagement that fits well with Brandon University’s mission and mandate. I look forward to welcoming and working with our new Vice-President Academic and Provost.”

Dr. Fearon will begin at BU on July 1, 2013.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

For more information, please contact:

Glen Kirby
Communications Officer
Brandon University
270-18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
T: (204) 727-9762
Email: kirbyg@brandonu.ca

On January 11th and 12th, put on your BU colours and join us for events and prizes in the new 25-million dollar Healthy Living Centre (HLC).

Activities include Bobcats basketball, facility tours, Kids Carnival and tailgate party. Giveaways include an iPad, University tuition and Bobcat rally towels. Meet radio personalty Tyler Glen from Star-FM. Be a part of raising the Bobcat championship banners in the new gymnasium.

Friday kicks off at 4 pm with the ‘Ten Dollar Tailgate’ followed by exciting Women’s and Men’s Bobcat Basketball. There’s an after-game social, too, featuring The Young Pixels.

On Saturday, tour the new Healthy Living Centre between 3:30 and 5 or wear blue and gold, and receive free admission to that night’s Bobcat games.

“I received this invitation and of course accepted to attend. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” said Milette, who is also the mother of two teens and a military wife. “I really want to analyze the thoughts and the psychology behind politicians’ debates and speeches, to find out how they inspire the population to follow their ideas and become involved, how they promote patriotism and so on.”

A native of Sorel, Quebec and a French-only speaker, Milette first embarked in English-for-Academic-Purposes (EAP) classes in September 2010. After a three-month EAP course, she officially launched her post-secondary education — primarily in English — with a major in psychology and a double minor philosophy and French. With a GPA of 4.03 — that she achieved while her husband was away in Afghanistan for 14 months during her studies — she is on track to finish a three-year degree in two years.

“I’ve seen and have experienced a lot of life. This gives me a perspective and a great advantage that 20-something university students may not have,” she said. “My experience allows me to see beneath the superficial and allows me to focus on how people think and the long-term results of decisions. I have a good nose to know how things will turn out, more so than someone who simply listens to a speech and does not investigate it further. I’m not limited to the emotion of the speech, I like to dig behind the words and seek out their long-term motivation.”

One of her professors, Dr. Steven Robinson has witnessed Milette’s seriousness and determination, two qualities that have enabled her to shine in her studies.

“Of all of my students, Lyne was the one making the most connections between the course material and her own life and times,” he said. “I have also had opportunities to speak with her outside of class and learned that she is a very engaged and principled student who is committed to bettering her circumstances through higher education. I have high hopes for Lyne in her future educational and professional achievements. She is an excellent candidate to attend the Presidential Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C., and I know she will make the most of this wonderful opportunity and will make Brandon University proud.”

Of this student’s achievements, Brandon University’s President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff said: “This is exactly why I wanted Brandon University to become members of Golden Key. This is just the kind of student that we need to encourage and I am so pleased that she will be able to attend this historical event. ”

Milette will be in D.C. from January 19 to 23, 2013, during which time she will take part in presentations and Q&A sessions with the Honorable John Ellis (Jeb) Bush and the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. as well as various debate sessions. She will have the opportunity to witness the Inaugural Parade as well as enjoy a private tour of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and take part in the Gala Inaugural Celebration. Upon her return from this event, Milette plans to give a lecture at BU. Details will be shared as soon as they become available.

“One of my goals in doing this is to encourage my fellow students, whether they’ve immigrated to Canada and they’re having a hard time with English or they’re finding their overall studies difficult. I know what it’s like,” said Milette, who added that the help she has received from her professors has enabled her to succeed. “The greater the effort you apply to your studies, the greater the benefits at the end of the line. Effort produces beautiful outcomes and great opportunities. Maintain your courage. You never know what’s around the corner.”
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