Dawn Wallin

Dawn Wallin serves as the University of Saskatchewan associate vice-president Research (Engagement), SSHRC Leader, and professor in the College of Education. As an alumna of our institution, Wallin completed her Bachelor of Education (English and Mathematics), Bachelor of Arts (English), Master of Education (Educational Administration), and Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Administration) degrees at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research background focuses on educational administration and leadership; rural, remote and northern education and governance; equity issues in education; and Indigenous teacher education.

As associate vice-president Research (Engagement), Wallin works closely with community partners as the academic lead on research initiatives such as the Wanuskewin institute, Station 20 West and a developing partnership with Métis Nation Saskatchewan. She also been working with the federal and Saskatchewan chapters of Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas) to find ways to support French language researchers. Wallin is currently in discussions with partners at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and the Meewasin Valley Authority regarding the possibility of designing microcredentials for interpretor training.  Additional opportunities are developing with partners from the Redberry Lake Biosphere Region who are interested in ecosystem research engagement with the university.

Prior to her current role, Wallin engaged in an exciting career in the public and postsecondary education sectors. During her time as a faculty member at the University of Texas-Pan American, University of Manitoba and University of Saskatchewan, she served in a variety of leadership roles: associate dean Research and Graduate Studies; associate dean Undergraduate Programs, Partnerships, and Research; assistant dean, Postbaccalaureate Programs; acting dean; acting department head; and program coordinator.

Wallin has consulted, partnered with or facilitated events for organizations that represent a variety of interests, including ministries of education, educational organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, regional colleges, and university faculties. She has held executive positions with the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, Canadian Association for the Study of Educational Administration, Canadian Association for the Study of Women in Education, and National Congress on Rural Education in Canada. She has served on a number of boards and/or committees, including the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board, the Saskatchewan class size and composition committee, the Follow Their Voices program committee and Manitoba Council for Leadership in Education. Her teaching, research, leadership and engagement activities have positioned her well as a community-engaged scholar who privileges relationship building, authentic partnerships and socially impactful outcomes in research and programming.