Michael Mihalicz

Michael is a student, researcher and educator who is committed to making education accessible to underserved and often neglected segments of the population. His research combines Indigenous worldviews with principles from Psychology and Economics to gain insight into the present state of Indigenous engagement in research careers and deepen our understanding of non-financial factors influencing the decisions of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations students to pursue post-secondary education. For over a decade, he has been breaking down barriers to education in an effort to afford student inmates access to higher education. As Indigenous Advisor, Michael is now tasked with helping make post-secondary education accessible and desirable for Indigenous students and is actively involved in overseeing and supporting reconciliation priorities across campus.

As an alumnus, and in his current role as Indigenous Advisor and Assistant Professor, Michael now has the opportunity to find a new name for the university that will lay a foundation of trust and relational accountability as we continue to build towards making education inclusive and accessible.