The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Laurie-Ann Hellsten (she/her) to a second five-year term as Dean of the Faculty of Education, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Hellsten was first appointed Dean in July 2020, following a 17-year academic career at the University of Saskatchewan. There, she held several leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research in the College of Education, and Graduate Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education. A Full Professor, Dr. Hellsten has taught extensively in the areas of Learning Theory, Classroom Assessment, Research Methods, and Quantitative Data Analysis.
During her first term as Dean, Dr. Hellsten led several key initiatives within the Faculty of Education. In 2023, the Faculty launched the annual Bachelor of Education Pinning Ceremony, celebrating the transition from Education student to Teacher Candidate. Under her leadership, the Away. We Grow. Practicum Program was also launched, an initiative that places BEd students in short-term placements and practicum blocks in northern and rural Manitoba. The Faculty also established an annual Summer Institute for post-baccalaureate students, providing opportunities for teachers in the field to complete one of a series of connected courses towards their PBDE diploma while also experiencing inspiring keynote speakers and networking with colleagues.
In addition, the BA in Developmental Studies was officially moved into the Faculty of Education and is currently undergoing curricular renewal. The Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program also expanded its faculty complement to four permanent members and achieved Canadian accreditation.
Dr. Hellsten holds a BA from the University of Winnipeg, an MSc in Physical Education, and a PhD in Education from the University of Alberta. Her research expertise in measurement and evaluation focuses on survey and mixed methodologies in both educational and health contexts.
