Dr. Wendy Mackey, Associate Professor, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Leadership at St. Francis Xavier University, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her dedication to service and commitment to building an equitable learning and living environment.
Dr. Mackey has inspired a greater awareness of culturally relevant pedagogy, equity, and anti-racism, helping to shape the future of education, and ensuring a legacy that will benefit countless students and educators.
As StFX's first African Nova Scotian tenured professor, Dr. Mackey leads with integrity, inclusivity, and a culturally relevant lens guiding students not only through their academic journeys but also as they navigate the complexities of identity and community. Her mentorship reaches far beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of belonging and pride for her students and colleagues alike.
Her presence and work at StFX underscore the importance of prioritizing equity. Dr. Mackey has profoundly impacted the Canada of today through her dedication to fostering understanding, respect, and inclusivity, particularly for African Nova Scotian students.
Recognizing the need for deeper understanding and knowledge about African Nova Scotians, she helped co-coordinate immersive tours for her university colleagues to historically Black local communities, offering invaluable opportunities to learn firsthand about African Nova Scotian history and triumphs. These tours included visits to historic African Nova Scotia communities including the last segregated Black school in Canada, allowing participants to engage with the lived experiences of these communities and understand the enduring impact of segregation. Dr. Mackey worked with others across campus to make this happen.
Her dedication led her to establish Black Excellence Day at StFX, on which she welcomes more than 300 Black students from across Nova Scotia to experience the campus and learn about the opportunities awaiting them. This showcases the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and serves as a powerful example of how StFX can be a welcoming and supportive home for Black students.
Dr. Mackey has served as the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy chair for StFX University and coordinates the Black nursing student success program. She mentors African Nova Scotian students and works with nursing faculty and nursing instructors to implement culturally relevant pedagogy.
Her vision is to inspire unity, encouraging faculty and staff to open their hearts and work collaboratively for the success of each African Nova Scotian student.
Although much remains to be achieved, her work strengthens the bonds between the university and the wider community, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and understanding society.
One of three organizers of the StFX Black Students Matter Teaching Retreat, she has taken the initiative to bring critical conversations about anti-Black racism and culturally relevant pedagogy to the forefront of the StFX community. This retreat, featuring speakers who addressed the gift of Black presence and the unique experiences of Black students at StFX, has been instrumental in educating faculty and staff on the importance of inclusive, empathetic education practices.
Recipients will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony in March.
