2022 Award for Excellence in Service: Kathryn Hunter

Kathryn Hunter has excelled in her professional role as SFU’s Graduate Secretary in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) since starting her role in 2007. Hunter’s various skills in the office are an asset to the department, and she is well known for going beyond in her role, including interrupting her own duties to assist with more immediate concerns as they arise.

Hunter’s wealth of knowledge and history in the GSWS department, has made her instrumental in making sure everything runs smoothly in the office. This includes gently reminding and supporting the Graduate Program Chair and staff regarding deadlines and processes needing to be carried out. Hunter’s knowledge of systems and processes means she’s instrumental in providing the right information at the right time for committee members when decisions need to be made about a graduate student from entrance to defences and graduation.

The graduate program chair of GSWS, Jennifer Marchbank, is incredibly grateful for all of Hunter’s immeasurable effort in taking the lead during unexpected circumstances. “Hunter has incredible organizational skills which are always useful,” Marchbank mentions while explaining her challenges and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hunter’s record systems have greatly supported me in keeping track on where our students and potential students were in their literal and academic journeys.”

Furthermore, Hunter has shown how reliable she is when it comes to getting students’ questions answered. Hunter is often the first stop for graduate students regarding application deadlines, credits towards graduation, and the thesis defence process; handling them all with care, grace and a positive attitude.

“Hunter helped us navigate the complexity of multiple platforms and systems including graduate admissions, awards, and graduate progress reports, while keeping track of students’ academic and funding record,” says Helen Leung, professor and chair of GSWS.

Additionally, Hunter spirited and efficient teamwork is always appreciated. PhD candidate Reema Faris mentions that Hunter works closely with the faculty and staff “to ensure that GSWS continues to deliver the best programming for undergraduate and graduate students, and that the Department is able to fulfill a key role in community outreach beyond the boundaries of campus.”

We extend our congratulations to Hunter as her warm-hearted personality and dedication meaningful contributions to GSWS unit and community is greatly appreciated by all those with whom she works.

The 2024 Dean of Graduate Studies Awards for Excellence are open for nominations. Deadline for nominations is May 17, 2024.