WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg’s Michelle Owen, professor in the Department of Sociology and the coordinator of the Disability Studies joint program with the University of Manitoba and Red River College, has been appointed to direct Global College’s Institute for Health & Human Potential.
Through its Global College, the University promotes teaching, research, dialogue and action on human rights, offering both Three-Year & Four-Year B.A. degrees in Human Rights and Global Studies, a joint MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, and Institutes led by distinguished faculty of the University that focus on particular aspects of human rights. This includes the Institute for Health and Human Potential, which Owen will now direct.
“Issues in the area of human rights have been at the forefront for many years and will only continue to grow in the years to come, with disability emerging as an increasingly important area of concern,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. “Students taking part in programs under Prof. Owens’ directorship will be able to leave UWinnipeg and make a difference in the world.”
David Steen, President of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities and a Dialogue Associate of Global College, congratulated The University of Winnipeg on Owen’s appointment.
“Michelle Owen is a true pioneer in `evidence-based advocacy’ – linking highly respected academic work with advocacy skills much needed to make it possible for people with disabilities to realize their full potential in a society that still throws up barriers,” Steen said. “The new joint Disability Studies Program with U of W, U of M and Red River College has benefitted greatly from Michelle’s leadership.”
In appointing Prof. Owen as the director of the Global College Institute for Health and Human Potential, Professor Marilou McPhedran, the principal of The University of Winnipeg Global College noted, “Global College was founded five years ago to foster interdisciplinary collaborations on human rights across the university and beyond. This appointment of Michelle Owen adds another important perspective to our team of institute directors, already including professors in Criminal Justice, English, History, Psychology and Theology.”
For more information on the Institutes of Global College, please visit http://globalcollege.uwinnipeg.ca.
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