June 12, 2025
Congratulations to Jas Gill and Gabrielle Coombs, recipients of the 2024-25 Dean’s Awards for Staff Excellence
Dr. Jan Hare, Dean, recognized several outstanding staff members nominated for the 2024-25 Dean’s Awards for Staff Excellence and announced Jas Gill and Gabrielle Coombs as this year’s award recipients.
Outstanding Service
The Outstanding Service category recognizes staff members who have demonstrated commitment to community service, inclusive practices, high-quality interactions, innovative methods in daily tasks, or fostering consensus and action.
Jas Gill
Associate Director, Instruction and Learning
English Language Institute (ELI)
Jas is recognized for her outstanding service, compassion and steadfast dedication to the English Language Institute (ELI) and the broader UBC community. Her people-first approach fosters an inclusive, respectful environment and engenders trust through transparency and mentorship, positively shaping workplace culture.
With visionary leadership, Jas spearheads initiatives in professional development and assesses cross-campus collaboration. She champions equity and supports refugee and marginalized students, helping to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met. Her talent for building consensus and driving action has strengthened institutional processes and deepened ELI’s impact. Jas exemplifies the values celebrated by this award and is a truly deserving recipient.
Nominees in the Outstanding Service category
- Holly-Kate Collinson-Shield, Department of Educational Studies (EDST)
- Jas Gill, English Language Institute (ELI)
- Helen Luk, School of Kinesiology (KIN)
- Kay Mun, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS)
- Tricia Murray, Teacher Education Office (TEO)
- Manjit Pawa, English Language Institute (ELI)
- Megan Wilson, Department of Language and Literacy Education (LLED)
Emerging Leader
The Emerging Leader category recognizes staff members who effectively lead change, inspire with a clear vision, enhance their workplace, passionately understand their role’s impact, pursue professional growth, serve as a role model in interactions and innovation, or invest in mentoring others.
Gabrielle Coombs
Learning Designer
Learning Design and Digital Innovation (LDDI)
Gabrielle is recognized as an emerging leader whose collaborative approach, clear vision and deep commitment to inclusive education are transforming teaching and learning across the Faculty. She combines technical expertise with pedagogical and accessibility knowledge to lead course development, co-facilitate the Accessibility Working Group and guide faculty through complex teaching transitions with clarity and care.
Colleagues admire Gabrielle’s grounded, approachable presence and her ability to foster respectful, inclusive and positive environments. Through thoughtful mentorship and a passion for her work, she models innovation, invests in others’ growth and enhances her workplace. Gabrielle’s leadership inspires meaningful change and strengthens our community, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Nominees in the Emerging Leader category
- Annie Chung, Office of the Dean (DNSO)
- Gabrielle Coombs, Learning Design and Digital Innovation (LDDI)
The Faculty of Education extends congratulations to all nominees.
The awards were presented at the 2025 Staff Appreciation Lunch on June 10, 2025. View the event photo album.
