CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY - Key Persons
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- Enrolment Communications Coordinator
Abigail helps develop communications for prospective and applied students, school counsellors, parents, church leaders, and more. Contact Abigail if you want to be added to our department's mailing list.
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- Learning and Research Hub Coordinator
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- Lead Maintenance Technician
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- Manager, CommonWord Bookstore and Resource Centre
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- Director, CommonWord Bookstore and Resource Centre
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- CMU Staff Member
- Director of Athletics
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- Executive Coordinator, Offices of the President & VP External
- Manager of Donor and Alumni Relations
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- CMU Staff Member
- Custodian
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- Alumni Relations Associate
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- Archivist, Mennonite Heritage Archives
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- Accounts Receivable Clerk
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- CMU Staff Member
- Design Manager
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- Assistant Director
- Assistant Director: Enrolment Information Services
CMU's Slate (CRM) Captain. Contact Danielle if you have questions about your application, the application process, or admissions requirements.
Danielle is a graduate of CMU with a degree in theology and social sciences, and has been an employee since August 2014. Danielle is happily employed and enjoys assisting students as they imagine where their post-secondary education could take them. She recently finished her MA in Leadership Studies at Royal Roads University where her research focused on the nature of collaborative course design in social innovation education. Secretly, she is just biding her time until she cashes in on her fortune as the heiress of Bailey's Irish Cream.
Danielle is also an avid traveller and spent three years living in Sweden, allowing her to set foot in many European countries. In her free time, Danielle enjoys creating new recipes, attending concerts, gardening, spending time outdoors especially when it is at her family's cabin and catching up with friends over a cup of strong coffee.
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- Director of Student Community Life
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- Media Production Coordinator
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- Student Life Program Assistant
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- Associate Professor of History / Dr
- International Development
- Professor of New Testament / Dr
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- Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics
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- Assistant Professor
- Director
- Director of the Centre for Career and Vocation Director of Practicum
Christine is a listener, finder, and teller of stories. Her academic training has focused on the connection between language and identity and how the stories we tell about ourselves show what we believe about ourselves. At the Centre for Career and Vocation, she combines her background in Applied Linguistics and her belief in hope-centred career development to support student vocational discernment. She does this through taking a life design approach to developing programming and working individually with students.
A design thinking approach to career development means accepting and empathizing with where we are right now so that we can listen to the calls from God, from our community, from the world, to try things out and reflect on our experiences together so that we can build lives and careers that align with our values and our calling. Coming alongside students as they navigate this process is something Christine finds motivating and meaningful.
She holds a student-designed Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Winnipeg, and a Master's and PhD in German Studies from University of Waterloo, and has received training in narrative career counselling from the Stanford Life Design Lab and CERIC. When she's not working with students, Christine is probably reading a German detective novel or dancing terribly in her living room, just for the joy of movement.
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- Business and Program Coordinator for the MBA Program
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- Assistant Professor of Biology / Dr
- Associate Professor of Bible / Dr
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- Assistant Professor of New Testament / Dr
- Associate Professor of Music / Dr
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- Dean, School of Music Associate Professor of Music
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- Professor of International Development Studies
Jerry Buckland has been a Professor of International Development Studies for over 25 years and before that time worked for as an Socio-economist for an NGO in Bangladesh for five years. Jerry's research and teaching is in an area that encompasses community-economics and includes financial wellbeing studies (micro-finance, financial inclusion, financial literacy), research and evaluation methods, community-based development, and rural and Indigenous Peoples' development.
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- Assistant Professor of Biology / Dr
- Associate Professor of English / Dr
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- Business and Organizational Administration Studies
- History and Theology and Director of the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry
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- Associate Professor of Theology and Anabaptist Studies
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- Assistant Professor of International Development Studies
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- Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
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- Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies
- Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies
- Associate Professor, Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies Academic Director, Canadian School of Peacebuilding
- PACTS Program Advisor / Associate Professor, Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies
Wendy specializes in community conflict transformation processes as Associate Professor in CMU's peace and conflict transformation studies department and in locations around the globe. She has over 25 years of experience as a community mediator, conflict transformation trainer, peace program consultant, program manager for international development projects and university instructor. The Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, and Palestine are some of the locations in which she has worked over the past two decades with indigenous groups, NGO staff, community and religious leaders, and various educators.
The focus for Wendy's teaching is upper level Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies (PACTS) courses such as: Models for Peace and Conflict Transformation, History and Strategies of Nonviolence, The Art of Peacebuilding and Building Workplace Conflict Transformation Systems. Wendy is also contributing to the new MA in Peacebuilding and Collaborative Development program. In addition to her teaching in PACTS, Wendy is the Academic Director of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding, an annual teaching institute of CMU, bringing students from around the globe for credit/professional development courses in the fields of development, conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
Wendy completed her MA Theology at the Mennonite Brethren Seminary in California. After significant years of practice within the conflict transformation field, she entered the Peace and Conflict Studies PhD program at the Arthur Mauro Centre in the University of Manitoba and graduated in January 2018.
Wendy's contributions to the conflict transformation and peacebuilding field include years of teaching and course development at the Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute (the Philippines), the Resolution Skills Centre/Mediation Services (Winnipeg), the Ukranian Evangelical Theological Seminary (Kyiv) and at the Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute in Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, China and Japan. Her work with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has seen her and her family spend 5 years working in the Philippines, assisting in strategic planning and training for the peace programs in India and Bangladesh and most recently resourcing the program in Palestine and Laos.
In addition to her other research projects, Wendy's significant research into the role of local and everyday peacebuilding has been published by Lexington Press (2020). It is entitled: Multidimensional Peacebuilding: Local Actors in the Philippines.
Wendy, her partner Gordon Zerbe, and two children are all active in the CMU community.
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- Receptionist ( North Side )
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- Coordinator of Academic Advising
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- Administrative Assistant, Mennonite Heritage Archives and MHC Gallery
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- Executive Coordinator, Office of the Vice - President Academic
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- CMU Staff Member
- Financial Analyst
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- CMU Staff Member
- Development Assistant
Isaac is thrilled to help students listen for callings and develop the creative agency to respond. He works as one of CMU's Practicum Coordinators. This includes collaborating with students on finding placements and, as an instructor for Intensive Practicum, supporting students in completing and reflecting on their practica. Isaac is also teaching the course Vocation, Work, and Meaning in Winter 2024.
After completing his own Interdisciplinary Studies honour's degree at CMU, Isaac moved on to a Master of Theological Studies at the Toronto School of Theology. He lives in Winnipeg with his wife Courtney and their surprisingly old cat. He enjoys spending time in choirs, wandering conversations, and the margins of books. To answer a common question in advance: yes, that is how he normally holds a pencil.
Job Titles:
- Co - Director of the CMU Centre for Resilience
- Director, Centre for Resilience
James Magnus-Johnston's research falls within the transdisciplinary field of ecological ec onomics, and he teaches in a number of relevant subject areas across politics and business. He is presently a PhD researcher at McGill University, where he is studying the roles that collective emotional processing, grief, and anxiety play in fostering or preventing social change; he also holds an MPhil from Cambridge University, where he studied the social and ecological dynamics of the debt-based money system.
Outside of teaching, James is the Co-director of the CMU Centre for Resilience and a Board Director with the Assiniboine Credit Union. He previously worked as a financial counsellor and business advisor, in public policy positions, and as a social entrepreneur-co-founding a food cooperative (The Farm Fresh Food Hub), a coffee shop (Fools + Horses), a composting service (Compost Winnipeg), and an off-grid cohousing community.
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- Women 's Volleyball Head Coach
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- CMU Staff Member
- Registrar
Contact Jocelyn if you are from Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan or the Territories, if you have been homeschooled, or if you are a transfer student and are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at CMU.
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- Vice - President, Administration & Finance
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- Coordinator of Athletics Programs
- Coordinator of Sports Info and Communications
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- Social Media Coordinator Communications & Marketing Coordinator, CommonWord
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- Program Coordinator
- CSMA Program Coordinator
Judith Oatway is happy to join CSMA in an administrative capacity and connect with parents and students of all disciplines. Along with her administrative duties, Judith teaches voice with CSMA.
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- IT Infrastructure Support Technician
Justin Neufeld's academic interests concern how the human person has been understood by ancient, medieval, and modern writers as they have contemplated the question of justice, which is the question of what we owe others and what is owed to ourselves. Students in business will engage this history of reflection on justice in order to bring its resources to bear on the question of what constitutes good business today.
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- CMU Staff Member
- Facilities Manager
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- CMU Staff Member
- Director of Finance
Katrina also serves as VP Communications on CMU Student Council's Exec this year. When she's not studying, sending emails, or volunteering, Katrina enjoys baking, warm cups of tea, and dancing to good tunes.
Kayden is an optimistic patient listener. He joins the CCV staff while in the midst of studying psychology for his undergrad at CMU. Kayden looks to integrate his learning by helping fellow students find practicum and job placements that are meaningful and finish their degrees with experience from outside of the classroom.
People's careers, studies and work become part of who they are which is why Kayden is excited assist students while they make decisions about their futures and help them to achieve their goals. As part of the Centre for Career and Vocation and the Practicum team, Kayden looks to integrate his interpersonal and presentation skills with his growing knowledge around the programs to help fellow students to pursue their goals.
When he's not working or studying, Kayden is likely playing folk music with a few friends or organizing a spike ball tournament.
Kayla loves helping students follow their curiosity and learn important skills for navigating life after university. In her role as Practicum Coordinator, she helps students find work-integrated learning opportunities by listening to their stories and interests, building relationships with partner organizations, and then fostering connections between the two. As the instructor for the Practicum Seminar class, she encourages students to reflect on their practicum experiences and to ask big questions about meaning and fulfillment in their work. Through her work in the Centre for Career & Vocation, Kayla also enjoys helping students prepare for work beyond the classroom through building resumes, cover letters, and job search skills.
Kayla holds an honours degree in Anthropology from the University of Winnipeg and an MA in Material Culture Studies from the University of Sheffield. Outside the office you can often find her at local vintage shops and bookstores on the hunt for a hidden gem, starting her next DIY project, or enjoying a games night with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- History
- Instructor in International Development Studies
- Instructor in International Development Studies, Has Taught at CMU since 2005
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- CMU Staff Member
- Director of Communications & Marketing
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- CMU Staff Member
- Kitchen Assistant
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- Assistant Professor of Music Therapy / Dr
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- Coordinator of Student Advising
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- Director of Food Services
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- CMU Staff Member
- Senior Financial Analyst
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- CMU Staff Member
- Residence Director
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- Director of Enrolment Services
Michelle Nguyen
Director of Enrolment Services
Phone: 204.594.0529
Email: mnguyen@cmu.ca
Contact Michelle if you wish to speak to the director of the department.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
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- Payroll and Benefits Coordinator
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- CMU Staff Member
- Director of Operations
Renee is excited to be working with students through the Centre for Career and Vocation! She joins the Centre for Career and Vocation team having previously co-directed CMU's travel service-learning program (Outtatown), where she developed a love for experiential learning, community, and doing hard things.
As Practicum Coordinator, her role is primarily about listening to student stories, and helping them think about and explore who they want to be in the world both at CMU and beyond. She does this through advising and coordinating work integrated learning placements, as well as building partnerships with organizations and supporting the overall mission and vision of the Centre for Career and Vocation. Renee also works as an instructor at CMU, leading the practicum seminar where she thinks collaboratively with students about vocation, professional development and life design.
Renee holds an honours degree in History from Brock University and is currently an MA Candidate at Regent College, UBC. When she's not working or studying, she's probably walking and on the phone with long distance friends and family, drinking coffee, or asking people what they've read/listened to/watched lately that she should add to her never-ending list.
Job Titles:
- Director of Alumni, Church, and Donor Relations
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- Coordinator of International Recruitment and Advising
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- Information Technology Administrator, AV
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- Women 's Basketball Head Coach
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- CMU Staff Member
- Maintenance Technician
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- Academic Advisor & Student Services Coordinator
River (pronouns: they/them) is the person to talk to if you have questions about the Conflict Resolution Studies and International Development Studies programs offered at the University of Winnipeg through Menno Simons College, a program of CMU.
River's office is on the main campus at CMU, but starting September 12, 2023, they can be found in the Aboriginal Student Services Centre at 2LO2 in Lockhart Hall at the UW on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. River is available for in-person appointments and drop-ins during these times.
The best way to reach River is by email: rwoods@cmu.ca
Job Titles:
- CMU Staff Member
- Director of Information Technology
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- Manager of International Student & Accessibility Programs
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- Vice - President External
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- Coordinator of Financial Aid & Awards
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- Men 's Basketball Head Coach
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- CMU Staff Member
- Custodian
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- Accounts Receivable Clerk
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- Assistant Vice - President Academic Program Development and Associate Registrar Student Data
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- Finance Operations Consultant
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- Director of Estamos, Practicum Coordinator
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- CMU Staff Member
- Maintenance Technician
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- Associate Registrar for Graduate Studies
Contact Valerie if you are interested in graduate studies at CMU.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of the Community School of Music and the Arts
- Instructor at Canadian Mennonite University School of Music
Verna is an Instructor at Canadian Mennonite University School of Music. She has been key to the establishment and leadership of an innovative and collaborative teaching and performance program. She teaches theory, keyboard skills and solo piano. She is also the Director of CMU's Community School of Music & the Arts.
Verna Wiebe is well known in the Winnipeg community for her fine work as a collaborative artist with singers, instrumentalists, and choirs. Verna is the pianist for the Winnipeg Singers, with whom she recently recorded a CD of choral works by Sid Robinovitch.
She has also performed as pianist with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, Pembina Trails Voices, CMU Choirs, Mennonite Festival Chorus and Mennonite Oratorio Choir, among others. Verna performs as part of Orgiano, a piano-organ duo devoted to original works, and as part of the CMU Faculty Piano Duo.
Verna has operated a private studio including piano and theory students and Music for Young Children classes. She is a member of the Registered Music Teachers Association of Manitoba and the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.
Verna holds a degree in Piano Performance from Brandon University where she served as faculty accompanist and instructor. Included in her extensive collaborative work were numerous recitals, competitions and a CBC recording with trumpeter Professor Alan Ehnes.
Verna is active in leading worship music at Charleswood Mennonite Church. She and her husband Bob have three grown children.
Job Titles:
- CMU Staff Member
- Library Director
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- CMU Staff Member
- Custodian
Job Titles:
- CMU Staff Member
- Maintenance Technician