Lakeland College is celebrating a major national honour for one of its longtime faculty members.
Charlene Bonnar, chair of university transfer and English instructor at Lakeland College, has been named the Gold Recipient in the Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty category at the 2026 Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Awards of Excellence. She received the award during the CICan Connections Conference on April 23 in Ottawa.
The award recognizes Bonnar’s leadership, innovation and lasting impact in post‑secondary education.
“As an English instructor, I am able to share my passions for reading and writing with the next generation,” said Bonnar. “By sharing stories, we build community and compassion—lessons I hope my students will carry with them throughout their lives. I am honoured to be recognized by my peers and grateful to the Lakeland College community for their support.”
Bonnar has worked at Lakeland College for more than 22 years and is widely known for her student‑focused teaching philosophy and commitment to continuous improvement. Her approach centres on removing barriers to learning and creating inclusive opportunities that support student success.
Throughout her career, Bonnar has reimagined the classroom experience by emphasizing engagement and interactive learning. She has incorporated collaborative digital tools and generative artificial intelligence into coursework to strengthen students’ critical‑thinking skills while reinforcing ethical academic practices.
She also played a key role in bringing the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) to Lakeland College, expanding access for Indigenous and non‑Indigenous students while supporting reconciliation and community partnerships. Bonnar further developed courses such as Indigenous Storytelling: Stories of the Land on the Land, as well as a Transition Program designed to support Indigenous students entering post‑secondary education.
Her leadership extends well beyond the classroom. Bonnar led a community garden initiative that combines experiential learning with food security and community connection, and she launched Âsokan: Building Bridges, a podcast supported by TELUS STORYHIVE that explores education, reconciliation and community relationships.
“Charlene exemplifies the spirit of innovation in post‑secondary education,” said Dr. Alice Wainwright‑Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “Her dedication to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, along with her commitment to reconciliation and student success, continues to have a transformative impact.”
Wainwright‑Stewart added that Bonnar’s work has helped shape a more inclusive and equitable learning environment, both at Lakeland College and across the broader post‑secondary community.
Lakeland College officials say the national recognition reflects Bonnar’s influence as an educator, leader and advocate for meaningful, student‑centred learning.
