President's Medals, Distinguished Service Awards and Research Scholar Awards honour current employees of the University of New Brunswick, or those who have retired within one calendar year preceding the call for nominations.
President's Medals, Distinguished Service Awards and Research Scholar Awards are awarded for outstanding service to the university which may include teaching, research, administrative contributions, or any combination thereof.
The President’s Awards were established by the University of New Brunswick Senates and Board of Governors in 2000. A maximum of three President’s Medals, ten Distinguished Services Awards, two University Research Scholar Awards and three University Teaching Awards are given in any academic year.
This award is the highest honor the university community can bestow. The President’s Medal is awarded to an individual who has had a significant impact on the University of New Brunswick and its community. The recipient of this award has an exemplary record of sustained service and acknowledged contribution to the quality of life at the University of New Brunswick.
The candidate's career should be distinguished by a dedication to the fulfillment of the University’s Strategic Vision and must reflect the core values of the University. This prestigious award is open to current members of the faculty and staff, or those who have retired within one calendar year preceding the call for nominations.
The President’s Distinguished Service Awards recognize exceptional performance, leadership and service by faculty or staff for outstanding service to the university which may include teaching, research, administrative contributions, or any combination thereof.
The recipients have provided exemplary service to the university, over a sustained period of time, over and above the normal requirements of their positions. Distinguished service awards are open to current members of the faculty and support staff, or those who have retired within one calendar year preceding the call for nominations.
The University Teaching Scholar award recognizes University of New Brunswick teachers who have demonstrated a consistently high level of teaching excellence and teaching-related activities.
The University Research Scholar is awarded to researchers who have demonstrated a consistently high level of scholarship and whose research is, or has the potential to be, of international stature.
Dr. Jeffrey Rankin has been a professor and research chair in the Department of Civil Engineering at UNB since 2003, playing a leadership role in shaping the department’s direction, fostering research growth and ensuring program health. He has taught numerous graduate and undergraduate courses, supervised many graduate students and authored over 120 research publications. Dr. Rankin has served as Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director of Graduate Studies and Department Chair, leading significant changes such as implementing team design projects and Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board graduate attributes at the undergraduate level.
Between 2016 and 2018, Dr. Rankin facilitated a $2 million contribution from OSCO Construction Group to create the OSCO Chair in Off-site Construction and the Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC). Despite being a leader in this research area and a great candidate for the role, Dr. Rankin chose to step back and support a competitive selection process for the chair position. He remains involved in the OCRC’s growth, now serving as Executive Director, contributing to its success in expanding research, faculty and industry partnerships.
Dr. Rankin also spearheaded the development of the New Brunswick Infrastructure Institute (NBII), providing advisory support and research funding. This initiative has fostered strong collaboration between UNB and the Université de Moncton. He has represented UNB nationally and internationally, volunteering with the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering since 2005 and currently serving as President Elect. Additionally, Dr. Rankin is active with the Canadian Standards Association and the Modular Building Institute.
Heather Doherty has devoted over 27 years to supporting the University of New Brunswick, embodying its core values of hard work, dedication, respect and collegiality. Starting at the Education Resource Centre in 1997, she later joined the Gérard V. La Forest Law Library in 1999, where she became a warm, welcoming presence known for assisting students, professors and colleagues with enthusiasm.
Over the years, Heather has built a reputation as a reliable, diligent and generous professional. When the Law Library faced staff shortages, she willingly took on extra shifts and responsibilities to ensure services continued smoothly. Her unwavering commitment to both the library’s patrons and colleagues has made her an integral part of the team for more than 25 years.
Her dedication became even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heather played a crucial role in transitioning to remote services, ensuring the Law Library could continue to serve students and faculty safely. Since the summer of 2021, in the absence of a Head Law Librarian, Heather has stepped up to take on additional responsibilities, ensuring the Law Library runs efficiently.
Heather’s positive attitude and eagerness to always help reflect her deep pride in being "Proudly UNB.” Her tireless commitment to the Law Library, Faculty of Law and the University makes her a deserving recipient of this honour.
Sherrie Lynch joined Student Affairs & Services in 2003, bringing strong organizational and problem-solving skills to the position. It was clear from the start that Sherrie was a remarkable addition to the team. She quickly demonstrated a commitment to student success, excellence and inclusivity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherrie displayed exceptional leadership and initiative, going above-and-beyond to play a central role in UNB’s pandemic response. She worked long hours to organize support systems for students in residence, coordinating donations, establishing and staffing a distribution center, ensuring sanitation protocols and organizing support and entertainment programs. Her efforts extended to critical initiatives like COVID test distribution and vaccination registry management, contributing significantly to the health and safety of the university community during an unprecedented crisis.
Sherrie has led transformative projects within Student Affairs & Services, including consolidating services into the C.C. Jones Student Services Centre to improve resource access and collaboration. She has also supported the tri-campus sexual assault response initiative and the creation of The 203 Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, a student wellness and inclusion space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
As a project manager, Sherrie contributed to large-scale efforts like the Retail Review and Student Union Building renovations. Known for her calm demeanor, she fosters collaboration and kindness within the team. During the pandemic, she championed activities to maintain connection and well-being. This is a tradition she’s well known for during the month of December, when she organizes engaging plans to build department-wide camaraderie and fun across campuses. Sherrie’s leadership continues to advance strategic priorities and positively impact the student experience at UNB.
Dr. M. Gabriel Hrynick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UNB’s Fredericton campus, where he began in 2016. He is also a Research Associate Faculty member at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, and an External Associate at the Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Orono.
Dr. Hrynick’s research regarding the dwellings and pre-contact architecture, and the lifeways of ancestral Pestomakatiyik [PEST-O-MA-CAT-EE-YIK) or Passamaquoddy [PASS-A-MA-QUAD-EE] Peoples in particular, and ancient coastal foragers in general, is at the leading edge of research in Eastern North America. He has authored numerous scholarly publications, including the Bibliography of New Brunswick Archaeology, which earned him the Canadian Archaeological Association Public Communication Award, and The Archaeology of the Atlantic Northeast, which was shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Award for Scholarly Writing.
Dr. Hrynick also engages with traditional and social media to communicate his findings to the public and particularly to those directly concerned; namely, the Passamaquoddy and Wabanaki people. His research is vital for understanding the lives of the first people on the east coast of North America, especially as climate change threatens to erase crucial archaeological sites. Known for his collaborative, ethical and committed approach, Dr. Hrynick’s work is at the forefront of addressing the urgent need to document and preserve this important history.
Dr. Martha Paynter has spent over 20 years advancing sexual and reproductive health and justice. A writer, nurse and public scholar, she is internationally recognized for her expertise in abortion services and prisoner health. Dr. Paynter is an Assistant Professor at the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Nursing and Director of Nursing Research for the Contraception and Abortion Research Team at the University of British Columbia. She is also an Affiliate Scientist for the ROSE Abortion Clinic at Nova Scotia Health and a faculty member at Dalhousie University’s Health Law and Justice Institute.
In 2012, Dr. Paynter founded Wellness Within, Canada’s only non-profit focused on reproductive justice for incarcerated individuals, where she continues to serve as Director of Research. Her first book, Abortion to Abolition: Reproductive Health and Justice in Canada, was released in 2022, and her second book, Lawless: Abortion under Complete Decriminalization, will be published in 2025.
Dr. Paynter has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, and presented hundreds of times, including workshops inside prisons and international academic keynotes. She is committed to public engagement, participating in over 250 media interviews to advocate for abortion access and prisoner rights. Her work often involves collaborating with community groups and lived experience experts. In 2017, she received the Senate of Canada’s sesquicentennial 150th anniversary medal for her volunteer service. Dr. Paynter continues to be a leader in advancing reproductive justice in Canada.
Dr. Andrea Garner is an Associate Professor of Accessibility Studies in Education at the University of New Brunswick. With 22 years of teaching experience across three continents, she is committed to creating inclusive and accessible educational experiences. Her teaching philosophy is shaped by her research in community participatory action, where she collaborates with neurodivergent individuals, people with disabilities and marginalized youth to develop self-determined, accessible solutions to real-world challenges.
Dr. Garner’s dedication to applied and innovative learning is evident in initiatives like Creative WIL, which provides enriched experiential opportunities for university students and individuals from marginalized communities. Her excellence in teaching has been recognized through nominations for the Vice Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of Wollongong and securing funding for projects that incorporate first-voice disability experiences into education.
At UNB, Dr. Garner fosters dynamic, inclusive and impactful learning through diverse teaching methods, including direct instruction, workshops and community-based collaborations. Her approach ensures that all students engage meaningfully and equitably in the educational process.
President's Medal
Distinguished Service
University Research Scholar
President's Medal
Distinguished Service
University Research Scholar
President's Medal
Distinguished Service
University Teaching Scholar
University Research Scholar
President’s Medals
Distinguished Service Awards
University Research Scholars
Distinguished Service Awards
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
Special Recognition Award
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
President's Medal
Distinguished Service Awards
University Teaching Scholars
University Research Scholars
