Diane Dobbins, the Manager of Research and Partnerships at Lang, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Dean’s Award for Staff Excellence. As an alumna and long-serving employee of the University of Guelph, Dobbins' dedication to advancing the School’s research mission is well-recognized. Her career has been marked by many significant contributions, including her leadership in fostering interdisciplinary research and providing constant support to both faculty and graduate students.

Dobbins is celebrated for her ability to connect people and resources, making her an essential pillar on Lang’s research team. As noted by her nominator’s Dobbins embodies Lang's mission through her "unwavering dedication that encourages interdisciplinary research and support of both faculty and students, regardless of their research topics or focus areas." Her role extends far beyond simply assisting with research applications—she actively builds capacity, both in terms of knowledge and confidence, ensuring that researchers are equipped to succeed.

One of the standout qualities highlighted by her nominators is Dobbins’ ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment: "Diane not only builds capacity regarding content and structures but also builds confidence in people, which is an essential part of leveling the playing field among researchers," one of her colleagues remarked. This sentiment captures the essence of Dobbins' leadership and the impact she has had on the Lang research community.

Throughout her career, Dobbins has been recognized not just for her technical expertise but also for her emotional intelligence and mentorship. Her efforts to guide both graduate students and faculty through the complexities of research funding have significantly advanced Lang's research output. This latest award further solidifies Dobbins' legacy as a dedicated leader.

Congratulations to Diane and thank you for your efforts in providing outstanding research support to our faculty and students!