Professor of Educational Studies Darlene Ciuffetelli Parker and Associate Professor of Mathematics Education Joyce Mgombelo have been reappointed as Associate Deans in the Faculty of Education, effective July 1.

Ciuffetelli Parker begins a three-year reappointment as Associate Dean, Professional and Undergraduate Student Services and Mgombelo begins a three-year reappointment as Associate Dean, Research, Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Supports and Services.

Ciuffetelli Parker says it is an honour and privilege to continue serving as Associate Dean and she is energized to continue work on initiatives in the portfolio, including academic integrity, partnership outreach and student recruitment and retention.

Creating supportive environments for students continues to be a priority for Ciuffetelli Parker, who initiated the Student Mental Wellness Portfolio during her first term.

In addition to supporting students with strategies to foster strong mental health, Ciuffetelli Parker led the wellness symposium Amplify: Mind, Music and Well-being. The event welcomed more than 200 attendees this past spring to Brock’s main campus who participated in a lineup of interactive wellness-based activities and career development opportunities.

As a result of a creative research project led by Ciuffetelli Parker in collaboration with McMaster University and FOE undergraduate students this past academic year,  she is partnering with Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) to offer music therapy to students.

“The student wellness portfolio is multi-faceted and continues to grow in scope and impact,” she said.

In the Research, Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Supports and Services portfolio, Mgombelo has helped advance the FOE’s research and graduate education priorities and initiatives.

“This work has been both meaningful and rewarding, and I have appreciated the opportunity to work collaboratively to cultivate a collegial, visible and supportive research culture within the Faculty of Education,” she said.

Mgombelo is motivated, alongside her team, to continue highlighting and celebrating the work of the FOE’s award-winning faculty researchers and showcasing the scholarship of Indigenous researchers through the FOE Research Talks series.

The Faculty of Education Research Excellence and Creative Activity Celebration is another initiative led by Mgombelo, which provides an important space for faculty members and graduate students to share and celebrate their research and scholarly work with the wider University community. The 2026 event, for example. explored how innovative research aims to shape the future of learning.

“I hope to continue strengthening structures and initiatives that support the visibility, recognition, mentorship and professional growth of Faculty of Education researchers,” she said.

Another area of work that has been particularly meaningful for Mgombelo has been supporting equity-focused initiatives connected to graduate education.

“I value the opportunity to continue supporting graduate students and colleagues in showcasing the strength and impact of their work,” she said.

Dean of Education Mary-Louise Vanderlee said the commitment and vision of both Associate Deans has helped propel innovative initiatives and build community in the FOE.

“We are grateful for their consequential contributions and are privileged to have the continued leadership of Dr. Ciuffetelli Parker and Dr. Mgombelo in their respective roles,” Vanderlee said.