Students

Dr. Oren Shtayermman holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work from Fordham University, his educational journey includes a Master of Social Work from New York University and a Baccalaureate of Social Work from the University of Haifa. Currently serving as Associate Dean at Thompson Rivers University, Dr. Shtayermman has held pivotal roles at various universities in the USA, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering inclusive environments. With expertise in social work, mental health, and educational leadership, Dr. Shtayermman valued voice in the EDI discourse, bringing both academic rigor and practical insights to the table. Dr. Shtayermmans’ professional and diverse background encompassing multiple health professions and a rich history of contributions in various settings, Dr. Shtayermman brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of the complexities within the academic and social services landscapes.

Reuben Onyango is the Director of International Student Services at Thompson Rivers University, in Kamloops, British Columbia, where they lead strategic initiatives to enhance the international student experience. Reuben was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and has called Canada and Kamloops home since January 2000. He is also a proud TRU Alum.

With over a decade of experience in international education, they have held multiple leadership roles focused on student support, housing, events and immigration advising. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), In collaboration with various units on campus, Reuben leads a culturally diverse team that offers expert guidance to international students and their families while fostering strong partnerships with local, municipal, government and educational organizations.

Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Royal Roads University, Reuben is committed to building inclusive, student-centered services that promote intercultural understanding and student success.

Mark Wallin is an Associate Professor of Media Studies and Communication at Thompson Rivers University. He is currently interim Dean of Arts and has previously held positions in the faculty as Associate Dean of Arts, Curriculum Development, and Associate Dean of Arts, Flexible Learning. He also held the position of Chair of the department of Journalism, Communication, and New Media Studies (now Communication and Visual Art).

His research is interdisciplinary, spanning Media Studies, Adaptation Studies, Event Studies, and Critical Tourism. His recent work has focused on the transgressive form and ethical critique of academic scholarship in Ari Aster’s film Midsommar.

Dr. Michael Henry currently serves as the Dean of the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Southern Queensland, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Alberta, and Undergraduate Degrees from the University of Ottawa and Brock University in Social Sciences and Arts respectively.

Dr. Henry’s career has spanned the private, public, and the non-profit sectors. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1993 to 1997. His career includes ten years as an Executive Director of non-profit health organizations, ten years in public life, three years in a construction related private enterprise, fifteen years consulting, and two decades as a university academic administrator.

Dr. Henry was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal and received the Above and Beyond Award from the province of BC. He was also nominated for Start-up Canada Award 2019 & Start-up BC 2018 and has received a number of leadership awards, including a honourary life membership from the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Shayne has been at Thompson Rivers University for the past two years in the role of Associate Vice-President, People & Culture. The People & Culture Department provides services to the university in the areas of Learning and Development, Wellness, Recruitment, Labour Relations, Benefits, and other general Human Resources areas. Previously Shayne worked in senior Human Resources positions with the Kamloops-Thompson School District, and for other privately held companies. Shayne has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University.

From Morocco, graduated with master’s in education from Thompson Rivers university in April 2024. Worked as an educator for 5 years in Morocco and China. Recently, in January 2025, I have joined the office of equity, diversity, and inclusion & anti-racism as an intern.

This opportunity aligns well with my personal and professional objectives, as well as my research interests; my academic work focused on addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity in educational systems. As part of my M.Ed. exit project, I have created a handbook for graduate international students, showcasing my dedication to advocating for equitable access to education, opportunities, and information. This project further demonstrated my commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse students. Working as an Intern in the EDI office, helping me creating a safe and supportive space to amplify students' voices and address systemic challenges.