Joud Jelassi, Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering student, and Scarlett MacPherson, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychological Sciences student, are shaping the graduate student experience of tomorrow
Joud Jelassi
Dr. Peter Simpson, winner Joud Jelassi, and Dr. Lesley Cormack
Described by her peers as someone who “goes above and beyond in all of her efforts to enhance the quality of life for graduate students on campus,” Joud Jelassi is a deserving recipient of this year’s Graduate Dean’s Leadership Award. Joud has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her extensive involvement in graduate student programming, both within her department and across campus. Within the School of Engineering, she has served as Vice President Internal and President of the Engineering Graduate Student Society (EGSS), as well as the EGSS representative on the Faculty Council. At the university level, Joud served as a Student-at-Large on the Students’ Union Okanagan Graduate Student Committee and played a central role in establishing the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) as an independent society. As the GSA’s inaugural Director of Policy and Records, she has been instrumental in developing the organization’s foundational infrastructure and governance policies. Joud strives to create peer support networks through every stage of the graduate journey, so that students can have an outstanding experience at UBCO. Known for fostering a strong sense of community and belonging, Joud has created new social and professional development opportunities for graduate students and has been a consistent, effective advocate for graduate student voices on campus.
Scarlett MacPherson
Dr. Peter Simpson, winner Scarlett MacPherson, and Dr. Lesley Cormack
Scarlett MacPherson is a driving force behind many graduate student advocacy initiatives, contributing both behind the scenes and in visible leadership roles. As a co‑founding Director and Chairperson of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), Scarlett played a critical role in establishing the organization’s legal and financial foundations. She continues to ensure the smooth operation of the GSA through her work in financial reporting, meeting coordination, and liaising with the Association’s legal counsel. In addition to this work, Scarlett led the successful GSA referendum campaign and collaborated with multiple stakeholders across the university to bring the GSA into existence. Prior to her involvement with the GSA, she served as a Student‑at‑Large on the Students’ Union Okanagan Graduate Student Committee, where she organized events focused on graduate student community‑building.
Scarlett has also demonstrated a strong commitment to engagement within her department. She co‑created Psych Chats, an initiative that provides Psychology graduate students with opportunities to mentor undergraduate students. Additionally, she has organized and participated in numerous conferences, panels, and professional development activities that enrich the social and academic lives of graduate students. Widely recognized for her supportive advice and guidance, Scarlett is known as a trusted mentor to graduate students within her department and across campus.
These examples represent only a portion of the many ways that Joud Jelassi and Scarlett MacPherson have contributed their time, energy, and leadership to strengthening the graduate student experience across campus. Through their dedication to service and thoughtful advocacy, Joud and Scarlett exemplify the spirit of the Graduate Dean’s Leadership Award. Their leadership has helped shape a more connected, empowered graduate community and their impact will leave a lasting legacy for graduate students at UBCO.
Winners of the 2026 Graduate Dean’s Student Leadership Award and Student Involvement and Leadership Award