Dr. Meridith Lovell-Johnston Honoured with Community Builders Education Award

Dr. Meridith Lovell-Johnston (Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies, Orillia) has received the 2026 Orillia Matters Community Builders Education Award, in recognition of her longstanding commitment to student success and her leadership in building pathways in education.

The annual award honours an individual who has significantly contributed to the advancement of education in the Orillia community.

Since joining Lakehead University in 2015, Meridith has consistently worked to empower students, helping them feel capable, confident, and equipped to succeed in their communities.  With a research focus on literacy and language arts, she is dedicated to removing barriers and supporting learners at every stage of their academic journey.

“I have taught in classes where I had Grade 12 students who couldn’t read, and I was told that there was nothing we could do about that,” she said. “So, I make sure that I let my students know that, as teachers, there is definitely something we can do about that.”

Her approach to education emphasizes real-world learning, including partnerships with local school boards that place teacher candidates in classrooms. In one initiative, students conducted reading, writing, and math assessments with children in Grades 2–6, gaining hands-on experience while supporting schools.

Meridith has also played a key role in expanding access to Lakehead’s Master’s and PhD programs, opening doors for many first-generation post-secondary students.

Colleagues, in their nomination letters, describe her as a dedicated mentor and leader whose influence extends far beyond the classroom and into the community.

Meridith says she is honoured to receive the recognition and values the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives.

Below: Dr. Meridith Lovell-Johnston receives award from Orillia councillor Ralph Cipolla.