Our Staff - Student Affairs
Our staff members are passionate about helping students to unlock their potential and reach their goals, providing the guidance, resources, and programs to ensure success. Welcome to our webpage where we proudly shine a spotlight on the remarkable skills and talents of our diverse and vibrant staff members. This platform is dedicated to celebrating our staff member’s achievements, passions, and unique contributions. Each showcased staff member has a story to tell, and we hope that their stories inspire.
Guelph Gryphons Leadership Academy
Enthusiastic staff members in Athletics and the Library —Skye Angus, Jason Dodd, Natasha Spaling, and Scott McRoberts—are dedicated to empowering students who participate in the Guelph Gryphons Leadership Academy. Launched in 2016, the Leadership Academy was created to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders. The program immerses student-athletes in a variety of leadership topics, equipping them with the skills and mindset to become world-class leaders in athletics, academics, and life.
The Academy offers a comprehensive approach to leadership development by training three distinct groups of student-athlete leaders, with multiple training modules throughout the academic year to maximize learning, retention, and real-world application. This initiative represents a significant investment by the Department of Athletics in cultivating future leaders within their varsity teams, across the campus, and throughout the community. The University of Guelph was only the second school in Canada to offer a leadership development program for student-athletes, and as of 2024, it remains one of just three schools to make this level of commitment to its student-athletes.
Operating the program requires a budget of approximately $25,000 per year. The Athletics Department has successfully secured funding through various sponsorships to ensure its continuity. The program is divided into three stages: the first year is known as Emerging Leaders, the second year as Veteran Leaders, and the final year as Leadership 360, each designed to cultivate skills at different levels.
Each year, around 100 student-athletes participate in the Leadership Academy. By the end of the 2023–2024 academic year, 167 student-athletes will have graduated from the three-year program, completing over 27 hours of leadership training, undergoing a comprehensive 360 leadership evaluation, and developing a personalized leadership plan. Participants also gain valuable community outreach experience, enriching their resumes as they transition to life after graduation.
The Academy provides a deeply rewarding experience for both students and staff. According to Jayden Sparks, a U of G student-wrestler, “Leadership Academy helped me build confidence in my leadership abilities by not only developing leadership skills, but also showing me the skills that I already had. It helped me grow as an athlete, student, and individual.”
Similarly, Skye Angus from the Department of Athletics shares her insight: “The Academy is one of the most fulfilling parts of the work that I do. To be able to witness the relationships and bonds that form between the participants over the three years of the program is very rewarding, as is watching the growth and development of those involved.”
The Leadership Academy's impact extends beyond the program's formal curriculum. By fostering a sense of community and emphasizing the importance of leadership both on and off the field, it prepares student-athletes for future success. Through ongoing support from the Athletics Department and dedicated staff, the Academy continues to empower the next generation of leaders.
Student Affairs Staff Recognition Award
Nomination for 2023-2024 are now closed and nominations for 2024-2025 will open for February 3rd 2025.
The Marilyn Langlois Award is presented annually to a Student Affairs team member who epitomizes professionalism and goes above and beyond when supporting students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
This award is named in honour of Marilyn Langlois, who from 1989-2004 served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs). In this role, Marilyn provided exemplary support and guidance to students, staff, faculty, and to the community.
Submissions for this award must include a letter of nomination and 3 supporting letters, demonstrating how the nominee excels in each of the areas stated within the Award Criteria.
Please make sure to use the Nomination Form and Submission Checklist provided below:
Award Criteria, Nomination Form and Submission Checklist - MSWord Doc.
Forward any questions and/or submissions c/o: The Office of the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs) by emailing: studentaffairs@uoguelph.ca
Celebrating Excellence: Shannon Thibodeau Receives the Prestigious Marilyn Langlois Award
The Office of the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs) is pleased to announce that Shannon Thibodeau, Manager of Student Engagement and Leadership in the Department of Student Experience has been named as the 2023-2024 Marilyn Langlois Student Affairs Staff Recognition Award recipient.
Presented annually by the Office of the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs), the award recognizes individuals for professionalism and excellence in their support of students, staff, faculty and community partners.
Nominators said Thibodeau is an exceptional leader at the University of Guelph and is dedicated to serving students and empowering her staff. She is an expert of her field and continuously builds partnerships and relationships within U of G and the Student Affairs field within Canada to expand and improve upon her impact at the University. Shannon is extremely humble and shares her successes and expertise with those she supervises and collaborates with. She is extremely deserving of this award because of her passion and dedication to improving the student experience, and the mentorship and guidance she shows to her staff and colleagues.
In acknowledging Shannon’s achievement, Dr. Melinda Scott, Vice-Provost (Student Affairs) expressed, "Shannon's consistent commitment to excellence and outstanding assistance to students, colleagues, educators, and community collaborators is truly significant. She epitomizes excellence and consistently exceeds expectations to implement positive change. I deeply appreciate her remarkable contributions to our community.”
Shannon epitomizes the essence of wholeheartedly and positively enhancing students' experiences. She collaborates extensively with various campus partners and the wider Guelph community, all dedicated to enriching the student experience at U of G.
2024: Shannon Thibodeau, Student Experience
2023: Alexis Charles, Student Experience
2021: Heidelein Friesen, Student Wellness Services
2020: Jean Thompson, Student Wellness Services
2019: Kathryn Hofer, Student Experience
2018: Jessica Nayda, Student Housing Services
2017: Daniel Poulin, Student Life
2016: Forrest Caldwell, Student Wellness Services
2015: Jill Ferguson, Co-operative Education & Career Services
2014: Michelle Pino, Athletics
2013: Julie West, Student Housing Services
2012: Marinette Fargo, Counselling & Disabilities Services
2011: Laurie Schnarr, Student Life
2010: Bruno Mancini, Counselling & Disabilities Services
2009: Pat Richards, Athletics
2008: Deborah Kemp, Student Life
2007: Susan Nuttley, Co-operative Education & Career Services
2006: Barbara Funk, Student Affairs
2005: Betty Forestell, Athletics
2004: Jane Alexander, Student Housing Services