Allison Drew-Hassling has joined MacEwan University as the new Associate Vice-President, Student Support and Accountability. With more than 25 years of experience in student affairs and wellness, she brings both deep expertise and a systems-wide perspective on what it takes for students to thrive.
Drew-Hassling's career began in social work and counselling psychology, with early aspirations of opening her own counselling clinic. But once she stepped into higher education, her path shifted. "I loved counselling," she reflects, "but I found that I really like the big picture. I want to influence policy and facilitate change at the systems level."
That pivot led to senior leadership roles at the University of Toronto, McMaster, and most recently Brock University, where she oversaw counselling, health and accessibility services. This breadth of experience now positions her to guide MacEwan's student support portfolio with both compassion and accountability.
Her first priority is listening and learning across campus. Yet she already sees key themes emerging: the continued importance of student mental health, the growing pressures of food and housing insecurity and the need for supports for students with disabilities. "These challenges are interconnected," she notes. "And they require us to be thoughtful and proactive in how we respond."
What pulled Drew-Hassling to MacEwan, she says, is the existing culture of care. "There's such tremendous commitment to student well-being already on this campus. That really excited me it's something to build on, not create from scratch."
Beyond her professional role, Drew-Hassling is glad to be back in Edmonton. She's quickly found herself at home exploring the city's extensive trail system and looks forward to family adventures in the mountains. "Edmonton is such a friendly city," she adds. "You feel that sense of community."
Above all, the move for Drew-Hassling is about more than a new title; It's about possibility. "I'm here to listen, to learn, and to help students thrive," she says. "That's what excites me most."
