Nipissing University is proud to share that Anna Pearson, part-time course instructor in the Schulich School of Education, was recently recognized with a 2023-24 Minister's Award of Excellence in the Future-Proofing Ontario's Students category.
Presented by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the prestigious award acknowledges Pearson's exceptional leadership in adapting post-secondary programs to support new ways of learning and prepare students for the future. She was nominated by her colleague, Dr. Jonathan Pitt.
Pearson is deeply committed to interdisciplinary learning, research, and teacher education. She is currently completing her PhD in Education with a specialization in Language, Culture, and Teaching at York University. Her research is centred on experiential learning and postsecondary history education, focusing on developing pedagogy for engaging with sites of conflict, trauma and commemoration. Pearson holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in History and French, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education with an emphasis on Educational Leadership from Nipissing University. Additionally, she has completed a graduate diploma specializing in post-secondary education at York University.
Pearson's achievement was formally celebrated at an awards ceremony hosted by the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, on June 25, 2025, at Western University in London, Ontario.
"I'm truly honoured to have received this award," said Pearson. "It reflects not just my work, but the support of a community that believes in creating meaningful, forward-thinking learning opportunities for students. I'm so grateful to be part of a university that values adaptability, creativity, and connection in education."
The Future-Proofing Ontario's Students category highlights faculty and staff who lead the way in innovative teaching, curriculum design, and learning environments. Pearson's work integrates experiential learning, collaborative approaches, and cross-disciplinary thinking to help students build real-world skills and confidence.
"Anna's work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence we strive for at Nipissing," said Dr. Ann-Barbara Graff, Provost and Vice-President Academic. "She continuously pushes the boundaries of teaching and learning, at the historical markers of trauma and experience, ensuring our students are not only prepared for the future, but empowered to shape it. This recognition is incredibly well deserved."
Pearson recently co-led a two-week international Canadian Battlefields Foundation (CBF) Study Tour with Nipissing history professor Dr. Stephen Connor. The annual study tour, led by some of Canada's foremost military historians, has become a rite of passage for emerging scholars and future educators. Last year, Pearson was the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, an award created for and bestowed upon faculty members who demonstrate exceptional teaching and play a vital role in student education.
This award highlights the impact of Nipissing faculty across Ontario's post-secondary landscape and reinforces the university's commitment to educational leadership and student success.
