The inaugural recipient of the Dr. Anthony N. Ezeife Mathematics and Indigenous Education Award says she is honoured by the recognition.

“As an educator, I am committed to equity and mutual respect, as Dr. Ezeife demonstrated throughout his career,” says Megan Elliott, who graduated with her Bachelor of Education degree this spring and will begin studies in the Master of Education program in September.

The new annual award is based on academic performance by a graduating B.Ed. student who has obtained the highest combined average across B.Ed. Math and Indigenous Education courses and who has demonstrated commitment to equity and mutual respect during their two years as a student in the Faculty of Education.

Valued at $1,000, the award was created through the generosity of Dr. Ezeife (pictured at left), and honours his service as professor of mathematics, statistics, science, and Indigenous education from 2001 to his retirement in 2017.

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Ken Montgomery says his faculty is delighted to honour Ezeife’s career.

“We are grateful to Dr. Ezeife for his continued support of students and significant educational issues,” says Dr. Montgomery. “This award draws crucial attention to excellence in two important educational areas that are presently top of mind for educators, government officials, and community partners across the country: Indigenous education and mathematics education.”

Elliott works for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board as a tutor supporting Indigenous students, has taken classes in Indigenous language and culture, and spent six weeks in a peer health education program in a Dene community in the Northwest Territories. She expresses particular thanks to instructor Angel Renaud and professor Priscila Corrêa, and adds the money will help her as she pursues graduate studies.

“I plan to complete a thesis researching strategies for equity within online learning settings,” Elliott says. “I will continue to learn and build my current knowledge as I work towards the goals of adopting a culturally responsive pedagogy and integrating mathematical competency within my classroom.”