As part of its recently released Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan, UWinnipeg has dedicated two new positions to advance teaching and learning across the University. Dr. Yvonne Vizina has been appointed Acting Director, Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Michael Holden has been appointed Acting Coordinator, Teaching and Learning.
Dr. Vizina and Dr. Holden will support faculty by leading Teaching and Learning Communities of Practice and developing online teaching and learning resources. The communities of practice will provide instructors with professional supports, new and existing resources, and training opportunities.
Dr. Yvonne Vizina (left) and Dr. Michael Holden
A respected Métis scholar, educator, and academic leader, Dr. Vizina brings extensive experience in innovative teaching, curriculum development, Indigenous education, sustainability, land-based learning, and faculty mentorship. Throughout her career, she has championed educational approaches that connect learning with community, sustainability, reconciliation, and real-world impact. As an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education and the University's Indigenous Research Excellence Chair, she has worked collaboratively with Indigenous communities, educators, and researchers to bridge Indigenous and Western knowledge systems and support transformative educational practices.
"Teaching and learning are at the heart of every university," said Dr. Vizina. "This is an exciting time to reimagine how we support learners and educators. We can strengthen student engagement by fostering innovation in teaching and building communities of belonging. These things empower students to make meaningful contributions to society."
Dr. Vizina's appointment signals the University's continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success as it prepares learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
"The future of higher education is not simply about adapting to change," she said. "It is about helping to shape it. By embracing new ways of teaching and learning, fostering belonging, and supporting excellence within our campus community, we can create educational experiences that prepare students to lead, serve, and contribute in meaningful ways. I am excited to be part of that journey at The University of Winnipeg."
Dr. Michael Holden has extensive experience as a classroom assessment researcher and teacher educator. As Acting Coordinator, he will ensure teaching and learning initiatives have the greatest possible impact on faculty and students. His research examines the complexities of classroom assessment, with a focus on collaborating with teachers to transform their assessment practices. Since moving to Manitoba in 2024, he has worked with thousands of teachers, students, and school leaders interested in assessment, artificial intelligence, and robust student learning.
"Teaching and learning are core to the work we do at the university," said Dr. Holden. "Quality teaching and learning means supporting faculty to improve their work alongside colleagues they trust. It means providing ongoing resources and professional learning and anchoring that work in research and the local challenges faculty and students face. If we're serious about academic excellence, that's work worth doing."
In 2025, UWinnipeg's Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic struck teaching and learning and work-integrated learning working groups to seek input from throughout the University community. Through this process, additional teaching and learning supports became one of the key recommendations included in the University's SEM Plan.
"Our continued focus on teaching and learning further reflects the University's commitment to an inclusive academic environment that brings together faculty, staff, students, and the community in the spirit of lifelong learning," said Dr. Pavlina Radia, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "Sharing pedagogical practices across disciplines, and creating opportunities for professional development and collaboration, this work will strengthen teaching and learning while creating space to respond thoughtfully to emerging developments in higher education. Supporting excellent teaching remains fundamental to the University's academic mission and to the experiences and success of our students."
