The Provost and Vice-President Academic Awards

Dr. Bruce Galenza is a deeply respected educator who has shaped the academic journeys of students for nearly four decades. A specialist in cognition and educational assessment, Bruce brings both knowledge and passion into every classroom - often helping students master challenging subjects like research methods and statistics with clarity, care, and a touch of humour.

For Dr. Galenza, it’s not just about course content - it’s about developing critical thinking, moral reasoning, and a lifelong commitment to learning. That philosophy drives his dedication to academic excellence and his ability to help students reach new levels of confidence and capability.

He’s known for his open-door mentorship, engaging lectures, and relentless support. Whether it’s a first-year course or a graduate-level challenge, Dr. Galenza brings integrity, rigour, and genuine care to everything he does. As one student fittingly put it, “you pushed me beyond what I had thought myself capable of, and while it was gruelling, in hindsight it’s all been worth it.”

Richard Bell is known for his calm, clear, and student-first approach to teaching in the trades. His lessons are organized and practical, always grounded in real-world application, and delivered with the patience, professionalism, and personal attention that his students and colleagues deeply value.

Whether he’s leading hands-on labs or breaking down complex theory, Richard creates a respectful, team-based learning environment where students feel supported, not judged. He’s consistently available -often beyond class hours - and quick to step up when challenges arise. Students consistently say he makes them feel confident and proud of what they’re learning. As one student aptly describes, “he just makes things make sense.”

Richard’s approachable style, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to others’ success make him not just an outstanding teacher but a trusted mentor and colleague across the NWP learning community.

Dr. Heather Joyce believes that great literature doesn't just reflect the world - it helps us understand it. As an English instructor and internationally active scholar, she has published in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to edited collections, and presented her work at major academic conferences from New York to Tasmania.

Her research on post-war fiction, short stories, and adaptation theory has shaped both her field and her teaching. In the classroom, she designs assignments that mirror real research practices and fosters scholarly dialogue with her students, treating them as emerging critics and encouraging them to engage deeply with the material.

Dr. Joyce also leads academic panels, contributes to international associations, and supports NWP’s credibility as a degree-granting institution. Her ongoing record of peer-reviewed scholarship plays a vital role in strengthening our academic reputation across Alberta and beyond. Whether she’s analyzing children’s literature or exploring how stories are reshaped across cultures, her work continues to enrich our understanding of literature and inspire the next generation of readers and researchers.