In academic settings, excellence is often defined by top marks, the number of reports and papers published, or the scholarships and grants earned in support of projects.

While this year’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (FAHS) Research Excellence Award recipient Shannon Kerwin (BSM ’04, MA ’06) demonstrates excellence by any of these measurements, the Associate Professor of Sport Management encourages Brock University’s newest alumni to shift their perspective on how excellence is defined.

Speaking during Brock’s 115th Convocation on Wednesday, June 12, Kerwin challenged FAHS graduates to “reimagine excellence as a process,” viewing it as the outcome of effort and work as well as trials and tribulations.

“Recognize the path that brought you to this moment — and the moments of excellence to come — and be thankful for the journey, the ups and downs, the learning and unlearning,” she said.

She suggested graduates reflect on the relationships and collaborations that have helped shape their paths to success.

“When we shift to seeing excellence as a process rather than simply an outcome, we emphasize the power of the moments, the relationships and the people who contribute to our outcomes,” she said.

Kerwin credits her own recent recognition of excellence to the relationships she has developed with colleagues, students and industry partners.

“I feel like part of my role as a scholar is development, and for me to develop, I should be trying to teach others, but then also learning from them,” she said. “It’s about co-creation of knowledge.”

Equally important to her is connecting with stakeholders who could benefit from her research findings.

In her research exploring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies in sport organizations, Kerwin has produced a list of 50 actions organizations can take to improve EDI in human resource management practices in areas such as recruitment, hiring, compensation and leave.

“I’ve really enjoyed the collaborative piece of my research,” she said. “It has sparked my fuel and ignited my fire over the last few years. I have a large appreciation for the opportunity to truly collaborate with folks — like the Wasserman Media Group Collective Think Tank, faculty and student colleagues in my own department and across the Faculty, and those leading and doing the work in the sport industry — so that the research I’m co-creating can be translated into important outputs that are helping move the needle for women in sport.”

Kyle Rich, Brock University Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, is the recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award.

Also recognized this year for their excellence is Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Kyle Rich, who received the 2024 FAHS Excellence in Teaching Award.

Rich approaches teaching with a coach’s mindset and uses a variety of innovative teaching tools, such as case studies, program analyses, grant writing and service-learning projects, to meet his learners’ diverse needs.

His passion for teaching and influence as an educational leader is evidenced by his involvement with the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies’ curriculum development committee, his mentorship of students and colleagues, and his ongoing professional development by completing certification courses and actively seeking communities of practice to enhance his teaching.

Faculty members have a “special opportunity” to foster learning and be creative in how they engage with different pedagogies, Rich said.

“There is an important relationship between teaching and research: Our research informs our teaching, and our teaching helps us stay up to date with research and key issues in our communities,” he said. “I think the ability to be creative in how we bridge those different domains is what motivates me to try new things and experiment with different pedagogical tools.”

Joining Kerwin and Rich in receiving formal recognition from the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences this year are Professor of Health Sciences Terrance Wade, who received the FAHS Faculty Service Award, and Nursing Clinical Co-ordinator Sandra Micsinszki, who received the FAHS Staff Service Award. These awards recognize outstanding service contributions to the University, the Faculty and the external community.