The University of Regina is establishing a new graduate student entrance award in honour of Dr. Gordon Asmundson, a distinguished faculty member and Head of the Department of Psychology. The Asmundson Excellence in Mental Health and Wellness Graduate Entrance Award was created in recognition of Asmundson’s pioneering advancements in mental health care, as well as his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada for his ongoing research, mentorship, and clinical practice in the field of mental health.
This award is designed to support graduate students in their pursuit of higher education in fields related to mental health and wellness, such as clinical psychology, experimental and applied psychology, and sociology.
I couldn’t be more thrilled and more honoured that the University has created this award, and to have my name associated with an award that will provide an opportunity for students to focus on being excellent at what they want to do. — Dr. Gordon Asmundson, Department Head, Department of Psychology
Since moving to Regina three decades ago, Asmundson’s work on fear and anxiety-related disorders, trauma-related disorders, and chronic pain has significantly influenced the development and advancement of psychology as a science and evidence-based treatment worldwide. He first began working at the U of R as an Adjunct Professor during his time at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre as their Director of Research. Asmundson says that he and his wife soon realized that Regina was a great place for work/life balance and for raising a family, and the U of R was an ideal, supportive environment for the type of work that he was doing.
“For students who are seeking a graduate program in an area that focuses on mental health and wellness, the University of Regina and its programs are leaders in research and clinical training,” says Asmundson. “Combined with our faculty and the professional training opportunities, the U of R is an outstanding choice for current and future graduate students pursuing a career as a mental health researcher or clinician.”
Focus on excellence
When it comes to tuition, the increased cost of living, and the demanding schedule of graduate training, Asmundson says that scholarships are critical.
“Graduate students need to focus on their studies, their research, and building their professional skills. We don’t want them to have to work numerous hours every week on top of all of that, just to afford to live,” says Asmundson. “I couldn’t be more thrilled and more honoured that the University has created this award and to have my name associated with an award that will provide an opportunity for students to focus on being excellent at what they want to do.”
More than just money
Holden Norrie is a first-year Master of Science in Clinical Psychology student, under the supervision of Dr. Asmundson. His research interests include the psychopathology of anxiety-related disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and transdiagnostic traits that underlie anxiety-related disorders. Once Norrie completes his Master’s, he plans to complete his PhD and continue working within academia.
When it comes to scholarships, Norrie says that not only are students receiving money, but also time.
“The financial support extends beyond its monetary value; scholarships and student awards grant more time for students like me to continue to work on enhancing clinically related skills, helping us to become skilled researchers and clinicians,” says Norrie. “Through student awards, I have benefited immensely by having a greater freedom to seek out research-related experience.”
Michelle Paluszek completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the U of R, and is now a fourth-year PhD student. She is working towards becoming a clinical psychologist with a particular focus on adult health and rehabilitation.
Like Norrie, Paluszek says that scholarships and student awards are critical in allowing students to focus on academics, especially the coursework, thesis and dissertation work, and research expected in the Clinical Psychology Program. In addition, scholarships can relieve financial stress that can negatively impact your personal well-being.
“I would not have been able to afford graduate studies and living expenses without the combined help of scholarships, student awards, and financial support from my academic supervisor,” says Paluszek. “I am very excited about the greater availability of scholarships for graduate students with the Asmundson Excellence in Mental Health and Wellness Graduate Entrance Award, especially given the expansion of the Clinical Psychology Program.”
Attracting the best and brightest in mental health care
After decades of careful planning, strategic growth, and world-class talent acquisition, the University of Regina has become a powerhouse of leaders and groundbreaking researchers in mental health assessment, treatment, and innovative therapies for a variety of child and adult mental health disorders. Our mental health research centres and institutes span the entire human life cycle, from the Child Trauma Research Centre to the Centre on Aging and Health, the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Lab, Online Therapy Unit, and more.
Interested in pursuing graduate studies? Find out more about graduate scholarships and funding available at the U of R!
Banner photo: Dr. Gordon Asmundson, Head of the Department of Psychology. Credit: U of R Photography
About the University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 16,700 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates. Our research enterprise has grown to include 21 research centres and 12 Canada Research Chairs and brings in more than $51.2 million in funding annually. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.