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. 

David Docherty

Dr. David Docherty joined Brandon University in May 2019 and was officially installed as BU’s 15th President and Vice-Chancellor at the 2019 Convocation. An accomplished academic and administrator, David has a distinguished history of leading institutions through growth and transformative change. He is currently leading the development of a new strategic plan for Brandon University.

An expert in parliamentary government in Canada, David is the author of two books, including Mr. Smith Goes to Ottawa: Life in the House of Commons and Legislatures. He has written many articles and chapters on Canadian legislatures and is a media commentator on provincial and national politics.

With a deep commitment to embracing Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, he was humbled to receive a Blackfoot name and headdress in 2018. He is also a strong advocate for the importance of mental health well-being, including reducing stigma and providing the necessary supports.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Honours) from Wilfrid Laurier University (1984), a Master of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University (1990) and a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Toronto (1995).

David came to Brandon from Mount Royal University in Calgary, where he served as President for eight years. Prior to that, David was a faculty member in the Political Science Department at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, where he also served as senior advisor for campus initiatives and governance in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President: Academic, dean of the Faculty of Arts and chair of the Department of Political Science.

Born in the town of Midland, Ontario, to Scottish parents, David took up the bagpipes as a teen and continues to play, especially at University occasions like Convocation. David enjoys frequent visits with his three adult children and lives in Brandon with his wife Kris and their two dogs.

Julee Galvin

Julee Galvin is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Virden with MNP who has been serving clients for more than 30 years. These days, she primarily works with a broad range of industries and high net-worth clients, specializing in the agricultural, agribusiness and oil and gas sectors. Julee has held a number of leadership roles within the firm, serving on internal boards and think tanks. She has also served as board member and chair of the Virden and Area Foundation, as board member and trustee of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, and has been a member of numerous agricultural boards, volunteer sporting committees and events over the years. Julee is married to John, with three adult children, Marissa, Miranda and Jonathan. They manage and operate a 7,700-acre grain farm south of Virden, where they annually host agricultural foreign exchange students for the seeding/harvest seasons, including students from Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Russia.

Kevan Sumner

Kevan Sumner is a professional planner who holds a Masters of City Planning from the University of Manitoba. He is currently the City Planner for the City of Kenora  and provides private consulting services in Manitoba. 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, and maintains many strong ties to the Brandon area.

Kristal Bayes-McDonald

Kristal Bayes-McDonald is originally from Rapid City, Manitoba and received her Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree from Brandon University in 2009. During her time at BU, she served as student representative on a variety of Boards including the Board of Governors, Senate, Foundation, and the University and Academic Standards Committee.

In 2013, Kristal graduated from Queen’s University with a Juris Doctorate. After practicing law in Winnipeg at a private firm, she became legal counsel for the Manitoba Law Reform Commission in 2017 and served as Director and Legal Counsel for the Commission until December 2023.

Kristal takes her role on the Board of Governors seriously and views the role as that of both a realist and an idealist, a collaborator and a leader. She looks forward to bringing her expertise to the board while also learning from others around the table, including community members, students, faculty and staff.

While Kristal and her family currently call Winnipeg home, her roots remain in rural Manitoba. She recognizes the significant benefits of a small university education and is appreciative of the opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors of Brandon University.

Scott Hayward

Scott Hayward is a Chartered Professional Accountant from Brandon and is the President and Co-founder of RightNow, a political pro-life organization. Scott earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, magna cum laude, from Brandon University in June 2012. While at Brandon University, Scott was very active with Enactus Brandon (then known as SIFE Brandon). Scott earned his Chartered Accountancy designation in June 2015 and left public practice in September 2015 to work full-time in the political pro-life movement. In January 2016, he co-founded RightNow. Scott has sat on the Brandon University Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2015 and has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus since 2008. Scott currently lives in Brandon with his wife and two young children. 

Edward Bach

In the fall of 2012 Edward Bach joined Canada’s prestigious Brandon University School of Music after a distinguished twenty-one years as trumpet professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Bach holds the Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He was the first person to receive a doctoral degree from a Canadian university studying with Martin Berinbaum. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University as a student of Alan Ehnes. Bach received international acclaim as the principal trumpet in Touch of Brass, a Vancouver based group that performed concerts in Moscow, the Ukraine, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, India, England, Latvia, as well as many cities in North America. When moving to North Carolina in 1991, Bach became the leader of Market Street Brass, a brass quintet comprised of faculty members from UNCG. Although teaching in Canada Bach still resides in Greensboro and continues to lead Market Street Brass.

Bach is also the conductor of the Brandon University Brass Ensemble and has also conducted the Brandon University Wind Symphony. Dr. Bach is a much sought after band clinician working with students in Canada, the United States and China.

A prolific recitalist, Bach’s solo appearances include performances in Vancouver, Quebec City, The Kennedy Center, Budapest, Portugal, New York, Scotland, Tampa, Winnipeg and San Antonio to name a few. As a much sought after master clinician, Dr. Bach has worked with students at the Moscow Conservatory, the Central Conservatory in Beijing, the Liszt Conservatory, as well as many Canadian and American universities. His quintet arrangements are published by C Alan Publishing and he is sponsored by Eastman trumpets.

 

Michael Juce

Michael Juce was born in Dauphin and grew up in Hamiota. He is a proud graduate of Brandon University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in political science. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly’s internship program. That led to working in the legislature for several years before moving to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce as their Director of Advocacy. In 2019 Michael joined Prairie Sky Strategy, a leading Western Canadian public affairs and business development firm. Michael also worked in the private sector before becoming the President and CEO of the Manitoba Hotel Association in January 2023.

Barbara MacKalski

Dr. Barbara Ann MacKalski has deep roots in Brandon where she has practised as a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology for 29 years. A graduate of Brandon University (BSc Chemistry), she completed medical school at the University of Manitoba and Internal Medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. She later advanced her training with a fellowship in Gastroenterology.

During her distinguished career as a clinician, she has held leadership positions including President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba; Chief of Medicine, Brandon Regional Health Center; Dean of Admissions University of Manitoba Medical School; and Examiner of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada. She has been involved

in education of medical trainees, medical research, and has been published in various journals. Her chief passion, however, remains the provision of health care to patients to whom she is deeply committed and from whom she is continuously learning.

Dr. MacKalski enjoys classical music, history, politics, travel and outdoor activities.

As a third-generation Brandonite, whose family settled in 1908, she is honoured to serve on the Board of Governors.

Michelle Magnusson

Michelle Magnusson joined Brandon University in October 2007 when she was hired as the first Disability Services Coordinator (now Student Accessibility Coordinator). Prior to this, Michelle was a Speech-Language Pathologist serving clients of all ages in health care, education, and private practice throughout western Manitoba. A graduate of Virden Collegiate Institute, Michelle attended the University of Winnipeg, received a Bachelor of Arts from Minot State University and Master of Arts from University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Michelle has held a number of volunteer board and leadership positions including Board Chair of St. Andrew’s United Church, the Brandon and District Chapter Learning Disability Association of Manitoba, and chaired the 2017 Manitoba Special Olympics Summer Games held in Brandon. She also held various volunteer positions with Skate Canada Manitoba.

At Brandon University, Michelle helps with campus activities and has served on numerous committees including the Senate and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Technology. She regularly promotes “Accessibility for All” through her involvement with awareness activities and committee work across campus. She has also represented Brandon University provincially and nationally through her involvement with CACUSS (Canadian Association of College and University Student Services Professionals).

Michelle is married and enjoys spending time travelling with friends and family.

Chukwuanugo Okudo

Chukwuanugo Okudo is from Nigeria and came to Canada in 2019. He is in his final year of studying Computer Science in the Faculty of Science. Chukwuanugo enjoys everything software related with computers. During his free time, he enjoys watching soccer or playing basketball.

Currently, Chukwuanugo serves as the President of the Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU) for the 2023-2024 session. He has also served as the Vice-President, Engagement for BUSU, for the 2022-2023 session.

Chukuanugo is passionate about advocating for the various needs of students on campus and helping to organize events to promote effective interaction with students. He also enjoys giving back to the community by participating in various volunteer opportunities and joining clubs that help to improve and make the community a better place. He is happy to have gotten his opportunity to serve through BUSU and hopes to represent students effectively in his role on the Board of Governors.

Asit Patel

Asit Patel, a native of Anand, Gujarat, India, embarked on a transformative journey in 2018 when he boldly decided to move from his homeland to Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. With a thirst for knowledge and a passion for computers, Asit set out to carve a path for himself in computer science.

After settling in Brandon, Asit enrolled at Crocus Plains High School, where he diligently pursued his high school studies. His exceptional academic performance and unwavering determination earned him recognition and paved the way for his next adventure: pursuing higher education at Brandon University. With a keen interest in computer science, Asit secured admission into the esteemed computer science department.

During his third year of university, Asit eagerly embraced an internship opportunity at the Brandon University helpdesk. His dedication, technical acumen, and excellent problem-solving skills impressed his superiors, leading to a well-deserved promotion the following year. Asit continued to excel in his role, providing valuable assistance and support to students and faculty alike.

Currently, in his fifth year, Asit remains fully committed to his academic pursuits, working diligently towards obtaining an honours degree in computer science from Brandon University. Simultaneously, he actively engages in community service at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple in Brandon, showcasing his compassion and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Asit’s passion for cybersecurity is evident in his long-term career aspirations. With a desire to contribute to the protection of digital systems and information, he aspires to obtain a license in cybersecurity. Driven by the constant evolution and challenges of the field, Asit envisions himself working in the cybersecurity department, employing his skills and knowledge to safeguard vital information and combat digital threats.

Beyond his academic and professional endeavours, Asit remains an individual of integrity and kindness. His involvement in community service at the BAPS temple demonstrates his strong connection to his roots and desire to give back to society. Asit’s multifaceted journey and unwavering determination testify to his character, ambition, and drive to make a meaningful impact in computer science and cybersecurity.

Ayushi Patel

Ayushi Patel is an international student hailing from Kenya, currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in accounting. At present, Ayushi is in her second year of studies and has been fortunate to secure a summer student position at MNP LLP. It has always been Ayushi’s dream to work for one of the largest accounting firms.

Ayushi’s journey in Kenya was a fun adventure. She studied at Arya Vedic Academy until Grade 11, and then went to Oshwal Academy Nairobi for Senior High. Even though half of her high school years were during COVID, she was able to engage in community service where she provided back to those in need and took part in extracurricular activities. In addition, she was delighted to be on the honour roll in high school and received the “Best in Business” award. One of the main reasons behind this, is the support of her parents and mainly her father’s company which highly exposed her to the world of accounting.

Ayushi has always supported her community by volunteering for various religious and cultural events, representing the community at various sports events, and being part of community sports teams. She continues her community work in Brandon by organizing religious events, providing areas of improvement, and ensuring that the community remains united to maintain rich and cultural religious heritage. Ayushi also volunteers for St. John’s Ambulance which provides medical response services to different events that are hosted. This opportunity has helped to broaden her knowledge as she is able to learn something different than her career.

This academic year, Ayushi is excited to be part of the Brandon University Board of Governors, as she is passionate about helping the community and ensuring the financial wellbeing and overall stability for the institution.

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.