Saluting teaching and leadership excellence

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) has honoured Meghan Norris with the CPA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology.

Presented since 1994, the award recognizes excellence or leadership as a teacher, work that influences the methods utilized in education and training, and whose work has brought about changes in education and/or training practices.

“I am so honoured to receive this award,” Dr. Norris says. “I’ve been fortunate to lead several large projects with tremendous colleagues across Canada such as The Canadian Handbook for Careers in Psychological Science, and The Psychology Commons. Both projects are open access, meaning there is no cost to students for accessing these materials. These projects have had strong impact, and I am excited to continue developing resources in the open space.”

The psychology professor adds the award is especially meaningful because, in addition to colleagues, students were a part of the nominating submission.

“I am very fortunate to be in a unique role on campus, sitting at an intersection of students, faculty, and administration,” she explains. “I am also fortunate because I truly have the most amazing colleagues across campus. Because of this unique position, and the Queen’s community, I am able to be involved in a number of initiatives that span the university. I am always so grateful for the willingness of both students and colleagues to engage in projects that support educational policies and practices on campus.”

Learn more about the award on the CPA website.

Dr. Norris has also been honoured with the Principal’s Educational Leadership Award which acknowledges and celebrates exemplary educational leadership demonstrated through initiatives that have a significant and sustained impact on teaching and learning at a departmental, faculty, student and/or institutional level.

For Dr. Norris, enhancing the student learning experience is critical to her own success. “My goal is always to support student success, and as instructors, we often worry about whether the things we do will ultimately help our students succeed. We gather data and feedback, and of course, make some mistakes. This award is meaningful to me because it is a testament to that process.”

She adds there are many outcomes associated with higher education and, as a result, it’s a critically important part of her role to invest in the student experience, ensuring that we are delivering high quality content in accessible ways.

“I truly enjoy sharing my discipline with students, and it is a joy to support them as they pursue their own unique trajectories.”