Tonia Welch Receives 2026 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service, Leadership and Administration

We are proud to announce that Tonia Welch has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service, Leadership, and Administration.

This prestigious Faculty of Applied Science award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions through leadership, service, and administrative excellence and who have a meaningful impact on their departments, schools, and the broader faculty.

Tonia’s recognition reflects her exceptional dedication to the Mining Engineering community. Over her time in the department, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, strengthening recruitment efforts, and enhancing student and industry engagement. Her work has played a key role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for students and faculty, while also contributing to significant growth in undergraduate enrollment.
 

Widely regarded as a trusted advisor and central source of operational support, Tonia has consistently enabled the success of academic, research, and student-focused initiatives within the department. Her impact extends beyond administration through her leadership in community-building efforts, including founding the Women in Mining student group, which has strengthened mentorship and belonging within the program.

Tonia has also been instrumental in building and maintaining strong industry partnerships, supporting the expansion of co‑op opportunities and increasing student visibility. Her contributions to outreach, experiential learning initiatives, and advancement activities have further enhanced the department’s reputation and long-term growth.

This award is a reflection of the significant and lasting impact Tonia continues to make within the Faculty of Applied Science and the broader Mining Engineering community.

Congratulations, Tonia, on this well-deserved recognition!