We are delighted to announce the 2025 recipients, individuals whose dedication, creativity, and impact continue to inspire us all.
Professor of the Year Award
Yana Meerzon
Department of Theatre
Dr. Yana Meerzon, Full Professor and Director of Theatre Studies at the University of Ottawa, is an internationally recognized scholar in performance and migration studies. Since 2004, she has authored over 100 publications, including five monographs, and led research supported by multiple SSHRC grants.
As co-editor of the Studies in Performance and Migration series and a frequent keynote speaker, she has shaped global discourse on theatre, exile, and cosmopolitanism. In the classroom, Dr. Meerzon is known for her intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary approach, and deep commitment to student success. She has designed and taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, often creating new thematic seminars that reflect her evolving research interests.
Her mentorship has guided over a dozen master’s students to completion, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, theatre, and cultural institutions. She played a key role in founding the MA in Theatre Theory and Dramaturgy and has held several leadership positions within her department and international scholarly associations.
For her outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership, Dr. Meerzon is a deserving recipient of the 2025 Professor of the Year Award.
Distinguished Teaching Award (full-time)
Kimberly Andrews
Department of English
Since joining the Department of English in 2021, Dr. Kimberly Quiogue Andrews has quickly become a transformative educator in literary studies and creative writing. With a PhD from Yale and an MFA from Penn State, she brings a rare blend of scholarly and creative expertise to her teaching.
Her courses, ranging from poetics to advanced poetry workshops, are known for their challenging and thought-provoking content, inclusive design, and clarity. Students describe her as a life-changing educator who fosters critical thinking, creativity, and academic confidence.
Dr. Andrews emphasizes challenge, care, and community in the classroom, drawing on her background as a wilderness guide to create a space where students feel safe to take intellectual risks. Her analog-first, student-centered approach is reflected in her personalized feedback and mentorship.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Andrews has made lasting contributions to the Faculty of Arts. She led the development of a Creative Writing option in the MA in English Literature, modernized the undergraduate curriculum, and strengthened the creative writing community through mentorship and public engagement.
For her leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to student success, Dr. Andrews is a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Faculty of Arts Distinguished Teaching Award (APUO).
Distinguished Teaching Award (part-time)
Andrew Morrow
Department of Visual Arts
Since joining the Department of Visual Arts in 2010, Andrew Morrow has become a cornerstone of the University of Ottawa’s studio arts program. A classically trained figurative painter with a Master of Fine Arts from uOttawa, he brings both technical mastery and contemporary insight to his teaching.
Over 15 years, he has taught more than 35 courses, consistently earning top evaluations for his clarity, creativity, and commitment to student growth. His innovative approach to large-scale courses, such as the open-enrolment life drawing class ART1900, has expanded access to studio arts education while keeping the thoughtful, hands-on experience of smaller classes.
Morrow fosters inclusive, community-driven classrooms that encourage critical thinking and creative risk-taking. Known for his one-on-one mentorship and unwavering support, he has helped students overcome personal challenges and thrive as artists.
Beyond teaching, he is a nationally recognized artist with exhibitions across North America and Europe. His public art installation at Ottawa’s Confederation Line St. Laurent Station reflects his impact on the city’s cultural landscape. He plays an active role in the university community by serving on the Faculty of Arts Council and helping to design new courses that connect different fields, making the visual arts more accessible to students.
For his outstanding teaching, mentorship, and artistic leadership, Andrew Morrow is a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award for Part-Time Professors.
Early Researcher of the Year Award
Jada Watson
Vice-Dean Programs
School of Information Studies
Dr. Jada Watson, Associate Professor of Digital Humanities and Vice-Dean of Programs in the Faculty of Arts, is a pioneering scholar whose research has transformed how we understand representation in the music industry.
As founder of the SongData research program, she uses data-driven methods to expose systemic inequities in country music, focusing on gender, race, and sexuality. Her influential studies, such as Redlining in Country Music, have shaped public policy, including a 2024 U.S. FCC decision supporting diversity in radio ownership.
Dr. Watson’s work bridges academia and industry, is cited by the Grammy Recording Academy and featured in over 130 media outlets, including Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Netflix’s Explained. Known as “Data Jada,” she is a sought-after speaker and advocate for BIPOC, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists.
In addition to her research, she is a dedicated educator and leader in digital humanities, coordinating initiatives like DHSITE and the CreatorSpace, and mentoring graduate students across disciplines.
For her groundbreaking scholarship, public engagement, and commitment to equity in the arts, Dr. Watson is a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Early Researcher of the Year Award.
Support Staff Award of Excellence
Evan Lavoie
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)
As Supervisor of Academic Program Management at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), Evan Lavoie has shown outstanding leadership and a deep commitment to student success. He led the creation of an online pre-arrival course to help international students build language skills before coming to uOttawa, and his work at the Centre for Language Learning (CLL) has improved access, streamlined services, and created a welcoming space for learners at all levels.
Evan leads with empathy and collaboration, fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. His initiatives—like daily team check-ins and a reflective practice series—have strengthened team connection and morale. He also champions fair hiring, professional development, and the transition of contract roles into permanent positions.
Known for his bilingualism, humility, and people-first approach, Evan has helped position the CLL as a leader in both innovation and revenue generation. His ability to balance strategic thinking with care for others reflects the values of the Faculty of Arts and makes him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Support Staff Award of Excellence.
