Charles Adamu

Charles Adamu was admitted into Brandon University in September 2022 as a pursuant of a bachelor’s degree in computer science in the Faculty of Science.  He is from Kaduna Nigeria, and in his third year of studies.

Charles enjoys teaching, solving analytical problems, writing articles, stories, and poems, and playing football. He is interested in software-related concepts as well as data analysis as a decision-making tool.

Charles is vehemently passionate about advocating for the needs of the students on campus, organizing events to bring people together, and helping students excel in their academics.

Having served on the residence council while he stayed in the McMaster hall in his first year, Charles unveiled a passion in bringing people together through activities and events. He also served as the Assistant Editor-In-Chief of the Quill where he wrote several articles in the paper as well as engaging with students through social media to get their thoughts and opinions on various topics.

Charles currently serves as the President of the Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU) for the 2024-2025 session. He is honoured to have been granted this opportunity to serve the students through the students’ union and is looking forward to an amazing year.

 

Sunday Frangi

Sunday Frangi is a proud resident of Brandon. Born in Sudan, he graduated from the Sudan Academy for Administrative Sciences before immigrating to Canada 20 years ago. He studied at the University of Manitoba and has worked with non-profit organizations focused on helping newcomers settle and integrate into Canadian society. In 2021, he was elected to the Brandon City Council, representing Ward 5 (Meadows and Waverly) and serving on various committees, including the grants review committee, Taxi Appeal Board, and the Brandon General Museum and Archives.

Currently, Sunday is pursuing an MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University. He is passionate about sustainable growth and community development, volunteering on several boards such as the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation, Healthy Brandon, and the Brandon Food Council. He strongly advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a welcoming community for everyone.

Recently appointed to the Brandon University Board of Governors, Sunday sees this role as a continuation of his service to the community and the people of Manitoba. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, going for short runs, watching sports, and cooking.

 

Dean Hammond

Dean Hammond is the Executive Director of Brandon Riverbank Inc. / Brandon Tourism.  In that role, Dean is responsible for executing Riverbank’s “Back to the River” master plan and for carrying out Riverbank’s mandate of “education, recreation and celebration.”  Dean is particularly proud of Riverbank and wishes it to be Brandon’s premier “third space” whereby all persons feel welcome, safe and engaged in thoughtful and meaningful ways.

Dean is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has many years experience in progressive finance roles. Dean is trained in continuous improvement methodologies as a “Six Sigma Black Belt” and he has led many high profile LEAN, quality improvement and change management projects. Dean’s career experiences started at age 14 in the family business and then spanned the gap from Canadian fortune 500 company, to executive roles in municipal government and most recently in the not-for-profit sector.

As a B.U. alumni (B.A. ’97), Dean is happy to give back to the institution that provided him with so many educational and career opportunities.  Dean is proud of his two sons Ben and Matt who recently obtained their B.U. degrees in business and computer science and of life partner Lisa who completed her nursing prerequisites at B.U.

Dean currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Brandon and Area Community Foundation.  Prior Board experiences includes roles within the Brandon Police Board, Brandon Riverbank Inc., and the Certified Management Accountants of Manitoba.

In his off time Dean enjoys travel and the outdoors, particularly paddlesports, cycling and camping.

 

Bryan Hill

Bryan Hill was born and raised in Victoria, B.C. completing his B.Sc. (Honours, COOP) at the University of Victoria before receiving his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Université de Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, Quebec. After two post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Waterloo Bryan joined Brandon University in 2005 as an Assistant Professor. Over the next 19 years he has been promoted through the Professorial ranks and has served in many roles within the University community. These roles have included Senate, Senate Executive; both President and Vice-President of the Brandon University Faculty Association (BUFA) in addition to Chair of the BU Retirement Plan Pension Trustees. Bryan is currently a member of Senate, Academic Integrity Committee, Centre for Teaching and Learning in addition to the Chair of the Department of Chemistry.

As a synthetic organic chemist Bryan’s research has largely focused on building unique organic molecules with interesting physical, chemical, and biological properties. He has had the great privilege of supervising over twenty Honours, Topics, and Research students throughout his career at Brandon University. Currently Bryan is supervising a Master of Science (Environmental and Life Sciences) student who is working on developing a molecular fishing line. Bryan along with his departmental colleagues (Drs. Bushnell and Chen) holds a patent on Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors.

Bryan now resides with his wife Kim in Rapid City. From 2017 until 2022 they owned and operated one of Manitoba’s oldest Hotels, the Queen’s Hotel in Rapid City established in 1902. For part of this time Bryan was the Vice-President of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce. Bryan and Kim very much enjoy the rural lifestyle and connection to nature and are members of the Rapid City and District Wildlife Association.

Bryan enjoys, golf, curling, and playing various types of games during his spare time.

 

Molly MacPherson-Blair

Molly MacPherson-Blair is entering into her final year at Brandon University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology. Born and raised in Brandon, she is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with her community in new ways, and listen to and learn from the diverse voices that make Brandon a vibrant community.

Community is always first and foremost in mind for Molly, who has had the privilege to participate in research projects across campus that seek to foster stronger interconnectivity. Undertaking the role of knowledge dissemination and mobilization for the Targeting Isolation Project and the Centre for Critical Studies in Rural Mental Health, she has been able to gain valuable knowledge about what builds community, and what barriers to inclusion may be present, especially for vulnerable populations.

Always looking to be part of a team, Molly also participates on and serves as team captain of Brandon University’s Women’s Soccer Team. The experiences provided by team sport have shaped her into who she is today. Passionate about youth activity and involvement, Molly coaches youth soccer, instructs highland dance, and works at the City’s Youth Centre. She also enjoys painting, spending time outdoors, and sitting down for a chat with friends and family.

 

Mary Jane McCallum

Chancellor McCallum is of Cree heritage and is a citizen of the Barren Lands First Nation in Brochet, Manitoba. She attended the Guy Hill Residential School in The Pas for 11 years. She is an advocate for social justice who, over the course of her distinguished career, has provided dental care to First Nations communities across Manitoba.

She received a Dental Nursing Diploma at the Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in 1977 and a Dental Therapy Diploma at the School of Dental Therapy in 1979, before earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Manitoba in 1990.

From 1979 to 1997, she was involved in the dental field in various capacities, including as a dental therapist in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba communities and as an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba running a dental clinic in Churchill and overseeing students completing their practicum. From 1996 to 2000, she worked on an interchange with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs as the Regional Dental Officer for the province.

From 1992 to 1996 and from 2003 to 2010, Dr. McCallum worked in her home community of Brochet, where she managed community health programs, including a children’s dental program, a diabetes program, and prenatal program, and volunteered for several committees, including a housing committee, a school committee, and an education committee. She also ran a monthly dinner and meeting with the Elders to discuss social issues affecting the community.

Dr. McCallum worked as an independent contractor for the federal First Nations and Inuit Health Branch providing services in northern Manitoba before returning to the University of Manitoba in April 2002 to lead the Aboriginal Dental Health Programs.

From 2004 until 2020, she continued to work to provide vital dental and health services before officially retiring from dentistry in April 2021. She remains a non-practicing member of the Manitoba Dental Association.

In addition to her professional endeavours, Chancellor McCallum leads workshops and presentations in which she shares her personal experience as a residential school survivor in an effort to raise awareness and understanding.

Chancellor McCallum and her husband have two daughters, and she also has a son.

She became a Senator in the Canadian Senate on Dec. 2, 2017, and she sits with the Independent Senators Group. 

 

Chukwuanugo Okudo

Chukwuanugo Okudo, Anugo for short, is from Nigeria and moved to Brandon, Manitoba, in 2019. He graduated from Brandon University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

In his free time, Anugo enjoys participating in outdoor activities such as football, basketball, and tennis, and he is also actively engaged with members of the community. His time in Brandon has helped him develop a greater sense of service both to the university and the community at large. Passionate about problem-solving and creating effective solutions that inspire change, he has taken part in initiatives like the Point-in-Time count organized by the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross, working to better serve the needs of the community and the province.

During his years at Brandon University, Anugo was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, including roles as the Web Editor for The Quill, Vice President of Engagement and President of the Brandon University Students’ Union, and Treasurer for the Canadian Federation of Students in Manitoba.

His diverse experiences in life have taught him the importance of continuous learning and growth. Anugo is inspired and motivated by the Holy Spirit, which has guided him to be an active team member, contributing to projects that make a meaningful impact in the community and beyond. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors and hopes to contribute to the ongoing growth of the institution, which has endured for generations.

 

Quintin Pearce

Quintin Pearce is currently the General Manager of P. Quintaine & Son Ltd. in Brandon Manitoba, where he brings 28 years of experience to the development and application of animal welfare policies, disease management and commodity management to the livestock and agribusiness sector in Manitoba.

Quintin’s wide-ranging experience at the management level in the private sector and the extensive contacts, networks and partnerships generated, can be utilized in support of Brandon University’s Strategic plan to facilitate the agility and inclusiveness advocated by the strategy.  

Quintin’s vast experience in the livestock sector has earned seats on related committees at the national and provincial levels.  He currently serves on the National Farm Animals Care Collation Code Development Committee, Manitoba Pork Steering Committee and numerous other industry leadership groups. He is also actively engaged in provision of guidance to livestock industry regulatory groups for informing policy and standards development.

Quintin grew up in Brandon Manitoba graduating from Vincent Massey high school in 1994. After graduation he had a short, but enjoyable time at Brandon University but chose to start an early career at P. Quintine and Son ltd., the largest privately held order buyer in Canada.

Quintin’s wife Tara, works in finance and is active in the community, they have three children, two of which who are currently pursuing post secondary education and one in high school.

The opportunity to serve on the Brandon University Board is a perfect opportunity for Quintin to further service the Brandon community and he looks forward to it.

 

Joseph Pelletier

Joseph Pelletier, B.A., J.D., is a lawyer practising in Brandon in the areas of Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial, Wills & Estates, and Employment Law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Brandon University (2012) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Manitoba (2015).

He has been an active supporter of environmental and social issues in a number of organizations, and is experienced in litigation in French and English in a broad range of legal areas. He is a member of the Law Society of Manitoba’s Equity Committee which provides strategic advice on policies and programs to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in the regulation of the legal profession and in the delivery of legal services.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Law Foundation, where he is focused on promoting legal education, research, reform, and services throughout rural Manitoba.

Joseph is proud of Brandon University’s progressive history and leadership and is deeply committed to preserving its independence and supporting its strong voices.

 

Emmanuelle Shakotko

Emmanuelle Shakotko was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, where she is currently completing her final year at Brandon University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in French and a minor in Sociology, and plans to apply to the After Degree program in Education. Emmanuelle is passionate about youth advocacy and political engagement, she proudly serves as the Co-Chair of the Manitoba Young New Democrats, working alongside dedicated youth across the province to amplify young voices and address pressing social issues.

Beyond her academic and political involvement, Emmanuelle is deeply engaged in her community. She works as a nature interpreter at the Riverbank Discovery Centre during the summer months and at Café Do Good throughout the academic year. She also volunteers with St. John Ambulance as part of a certified therapy dog team, visiting hospitals, long-term care homes, and local events with her dog, Murphy—one of the most meaningful ways she gives back to her community.

In her free time, Emmanuelle enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking local trails, reading under the trees, or exploring new places in and around Brandon. She has also completed ten years of training in karate and is skilled in self-defence. Emmanuelle is honoured to represent the student body as a member of Brandon University’s Board of Governors and is committed to advocating for an inclusive and supportive campus experience.

 

Kevan Sumner

Kevan Sumner is a professional planner who holds a Masters of City Planning and a Certificate in Public Sector Management. He currently divides his time between his home town of Neepawa, where he has a private consulting practice, and Kenora, where he is a Policy Advisor to Grand Council Treaty #3 and his spouse works at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. He has served on various boards and committees including the City of Brandon’s Planning Commission, Environment Committee and Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council, Brandon Food for Thought, the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, and nine years on the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees (one as Chair). He has coached youth hockey, baseball, and curling, which provides opportunity to spend additional quality time with his two sons.

Kevan maintains many strong ties to the Brandon area, and at various times has worked with most communities in western Manitoba. He is honoured to have been chosen to serve on the Board of Governors and views this as an opportunity to continue giving back to Brandon and the region it serves.

 

Michelle Williams-Joel

Michelle Williams-Joel is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student at Brandon University, majoring in Political Science. She is currently serving as the Vice President Operations for the Brandon

University Students’ Union (BUSU) for the 2025–2026 academic year, following her impactful term as the 2024–2025 Arts Faculty Representative. In recognition of her commitment to leadership and community engagement, she has also been selected as a participant in the Presidential Student Leadership Program, where she proudly represents Brandon University among Manitoba’s emerging student leaders.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Michelle moved to Canada to pursue higher education and expand her opportunities for learning and growth. Her journey has been shaped by a deep passion for student advocacy and a strong desire to create positive change within her community. She has always found purpose in helping others—whether through leadership positions or simple acts of support—and this commitment has been a guiding force throughout her academic and personal life.

Outside of her leadership and academic roles, Michelle finds joy in creative and enriching experiences. She has a deep love for the arts, which fuels her appreciation for self-expression and culture. She also enjoys cooking, where she explores different cuisines and finds comfort in creating meals for herself and others. Traveling to new places is another passion of hers—it allows her to connect with different people, cultures, and perspectives, broadening her understanding of the world and shaping how she leads.