Shelley Clayton

Shelley Clayton, newly appointed Manager of Academic Affairs and Student Services, is beyond thrilled to join the Faculty of Law at UNB. A dynamic and deeply committed advocate for students, Shelley brings with her a wealth of experience, energy, and a legacy of transformative leadership in post-secondary education.

In this role, Shelley is responsible for managing the Academic Affairs and Student Services portfolio of the Faculty of Law. Using her prior student service experience, she oversees aspects of registration, timetabling, room assignments, exam scheduling, priority registration, waitlists, and class lists. Shelley’s focus is on the operation of the academic program and ensuring that students have access to support and services (Counselling, Career Services, Academic Advising) to enhance their successful journey in the Faculty of Law.

Prior to joining the Faculty of Law, Shelley served as Director of Financial Aid on UNB’s Fredericton campus, where she championed student access and support. Her unwavering dedication to equity and inclusion in education has made a lasting impact—not just at UNB, but across Canada. In close collaboration with Development and Donor Relations, Shelley spearheaded a remarkable 700% increase in needs-based funding, opening doors for countless students who otherwise might not have had access to higher education.

A passionate believer in accessible education, Shelley has contributed to numerous national and regional initiatives, focus groups, and task forces dedicated to improving funding opportunities for low-income, disabled, and disadvantaged students. Her influence has shaped policies and research that continue to make higher education more equitable and inclusive.

In 2016, she was honoured with an Award of Recognition from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for her leadership in strengthening financial literacy across Canada. She was a founding member of the national Task Force on Financial Literacy, where she brought a student-focused lens to the national conversation.

Shelley considers her most meaningful to be the inaugural UNB Student Union Recognition Award (SURA) Honourary Member Award, which she received in 2023 in recognition of her tireless support of students. In 2021, her peers nominated her for the prestigious President’s Medal—one of UNB’s highest honours—celebrating her outstanding service to the university and her national influence in the areas of disability advocacy and financial aid.

Shelley holds an undergraduate degree from Acadia University and a master’s degree with a specialization in grief counselling. She later transitioned into the fields of Business and Finance, where she has successfully blended compassion with strategic leadership to champion student needs.

Shelley’s arrival at the Faculty of Law marks an exciting new chapter, and the entire community stands to benefit from her passion, expertise, and unwavering student-first philosophy.