Note: This story is one in a series of articles highlighting the culture of philanthropy that Brock was built upon and continues to grow among faculty, staff and the greater Brock community today. By showcasing the University community’s commitment to the success of its students and the institution, Brock hopes to share the lasting impact of giving.

As reflected in his long list of roles at the University, Michael Owen has been committed to Brock’s educational excellence long before his time as Dean of the Faculty of Education.

Having first arrived at Brock in 2000 as Director of Research Services, Owen went on to serve as Director of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (2001-03), followed by Associate Vice-President, Research and International Development (2004-07).

During this first portion of his career at Brock, Owen exemplified the saying, “give where you live.” Through ongoing pledges, he paid tribute to the various departments, programs and initiatives he served.

In 2018, Brock welcomed Owen’s return to the region and University as Dean of the Faculty of Education; and his support picked up where he left off. Since his return, he has steadily and increasingly supported his Faculty and the students in it.

Recently, Owen was one of many to support and spearhead the Faculty’s decision to launch a diversity and inclusion initiative. Building on Brock’s strategic priorities, the initiative aims to foster a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization by establishing additional financial aid opportunities for diverse students looking to enter the renowned Faculty.

Owen noted that while the Faculty is continuously and globally recognized as a leader in teacher education, ongoing support is vital to advance the programming, research and opportunities offered to students.

“While our goal is to maintain our reputation and grow as a competitive educational leader in Niagara, Canada and beyond, there comes a growing need to keep this competitive Faculty accessible to students from all backgrounds with the talent and drive to achieve their full potential as educators,” he said.

Reflecting on his choice to bolster various resources in support of the success of students, Owen noted the decision to give back to Brock as a faculty member has always been an easy one. More than anything, he believes in investing in the future of learning and teaching in Ontario, which starts at Brock.

“I see my support as an investment in the institution where I work and the long-standing Faculty that I lead, but most importantly, in the aspirations of more than 1,500 current education students, the careers of more than 28,000 education alumni and the future education of our children and grandchildren,” he said.

To learn more about making a difference at Brock, visit brocku.ca/development/give/