USask honours 2026 President’s Staff Excellence Award recipients

Rob Peace is a dedicated and innovative member of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community whose work has significantly strengthened teaching, research and safety across the College of Engineering. As a laboratory engineer, he brings technical expertise, creativity and a collaborative spirit to every aspect of his role, consistently improving the student experience and supporting faculty success.

Since joining USask in 2006, Peace has made outstanding contributions to undergraduate education, particularly through the design and modernization of laboratory programs. He has played a central role in developing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, including redesigning core lab courses and creating new teaching spaces equipped with advanced manufacturing tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. 

Peace’s commitment to students extends well beyond his formal responsibilities. Colleagues note the significant time and effort he has invested—often outside regular hours—to design and build equipment, develop instructional resources and ensure students gain meaningful, practical experience.

“His contributions to supporting undergraduate education are unparalleled,” said Scott Noble, head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

In addition to his impact on teaching, Peace has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing safety across the college. He led the development and implementation of the Engineering Safety Management System (ESMS), a comprehensive framework that has improved consistency, collaboration and safety practices across engineering labs.

“The ESMS is a shining example at the University,” said Patrick Hauser, safety and compliance coordinator, noting Peace’s “high technical competence, practical nature, impeccable safety ethics, and gentle manner.”

“Peace was the right leader for this project because of his high technical competence, practical nature, impeccable safety ethics, and gentle manner,” said Carey Simonson, professor and undergraduate chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering who worked with Peace to develop the ESMS. "Through Rob’s vision and dedication, the College of Engineering now has a rigorous, consistent, and robust Safety Management System."

Peace’s work has helped create a culture where safety and innovation go hand in hand, enabling research and teaching to flourish while ensuring a secure environment for students and staff. His efforts have been recognized with both a Saskatchewan Health, Safety and Environment Safety Recognition Award and a USask Safety Recognition Award.

Beyond his technical expertise, Peace is known as a mentor and leader who supports colleagues and fosters collaboration. He plays a key role in guiding new staff, contributing to a positive and inclusive work environment, and helping teams navigate complex challenges.

Whether enhancing labs, advancing safety systems or mentoring others, Peace consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence and to the success of the USask community.

Dr. Susan Bens is a thoughtful and principled leader whose work at the University of Saskatchewan reflects a deep commitment to students, fairness and academic excellence. As USask’s academic integrity strategist, she brings empathy, insight and collaboration to one of the most complex areas of university life—helping shape approaches that strengthen both learning and accountability.

With nearly three decades at USask, Bens has consistently demonstrated a student-centred approach to her work, grounded in care and respect. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing a comprehensive academic integrity strategy that responds to evolving challenges across higher education, including new technologies and changing learning environments.

“Her process is incredibly consultative,” said Darrin Oehlerking, associate dean of student affairs. “She has hosted numerous individual and group sessions designed to engage the campus community in how to better understand and approach the challenges related to academic integrity.”

Bens is known for bringing people together to navigate difficult conversations with clarity and compassion. She works closely with faculty, staff and students to ensure academic integrity processes are fair, transparent and supportive, helping create a culture where integrity is understood as a shared responsibility.

“Susan brings a combination of intellectual rigour, compassion, and courage to this challenging and often sensitive space,” said Maureen Bourassa, associate dean academic at the Edwards School of Business.

A key focus of Bens’ work is ensuring that responses to academic misconduct prioritize learning and growth. She has championed approaches such as “integrity plans,” which emphasize reflection, accountability and student development, while helping reduce unnecessary stress and promote well-being.

"What I appreciate most about Susan is that she consistently challenges me, and likely all of us, to do better," said Bourassa. "She invites us to think differently and critically, and to act fairly."

Bens is also a strong advocate for equity and inclusion. Through her work, she has encouraged critical reflection on bias within academic integrity processes and has helped create space for diverse perspectives to be heard and respected.

Respected as a mentor and collaborator, Bens is widely recognized for her calm, thoughtful leadership and her ability to guide others through complex situations. Her work continues to shape a more supportive, inclusive and principled academic environment at USask.