Jill Zdunich Receives Provost’s Teaching Award

University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing Instructor Jill Zdunich (BA’97, BSN’01, MN’16) is the 2026 recipient of the USask Provost's College Award for Outstanding Teaching for the College of Nursing.

As an educator known for her compassion, expertise, and commitment to student success, Zdunich has made a lasting impact across both colleagues and students in her 20 years of teaching. Colleagues consistently describe her as a gifted teacher, a supportive mentor, and a role model whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.

Zdunich was nominated for the award by Dr. Shelley Peacock (BSN’00, MN’03, PhD), professor at the College of Nursing, who highlighted her dedication to student learning and excellence in nursing education.

“I am well acquainted with Jill’s expertise in instructing and coordinating students in our undergraduate programs,” said Peacock.

“My experience with Jill in these roles has shown her to be a supportive, thoughtful, generous, and dedicated teacher and colleague.”

Zdunich has been recognized for her ability to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. Whether teaching theory, working with students in a clinical setting, or guiding learners through hands-on lab experiences, she continues to meet students where they are and help them grow through practice.

Nursing students who have been taught by Zdunich, describe her as follows:

Very kind and passionate professor who you can tell loves what she does. She was able to create a safe learning environment and always encouraged open conversations.

Jill never puts a student down, but lifts them up by challenging the knowledge base they already have. Jill is the type of instructor who will help the future nurses to be confident and competent in their practice.

She was firm when it came to safety and ensuring we were learning, but never made me feel inferior. I always felt like I could approach her with any questions or concerns. She created a safe and supportive learning environment, and I’m grateful for that.

Zdunich’s teaching philosophy aligns closely with the College of Nursing’s values of integrity, social justice, unconditional positive regard, and achieving potential. She emphasizes the importance of empowering students, honouring relationships, and creating culturally sensitive learning environments.

“My goal as a nursing educator has always been to improve the overall experience of our nursing students while helping to empower capable, committed future nurses through integrating knowledge with practice,” said Zdunich.

“I am committed to providing an inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment.”

Her dedication to lifelong learning is evident in her ongoing engagement with current research and guidelines in maternal and newborn health and she consistently shares this information with patients, staff, faculty, and students.

She has been a collaborator on numerous scholarship of teaching and learning projects, presentations and publications, despite this work not being a required component of her role.

Colleagues across the College of Nursing consistently highlight Zdunich’s professionalism, generosity, and leadership.

“Her passion for nursing, combined with her comprehensive knowledge base, organization, thoroughness, and caring manner creates the perfect environment for learning,” said Cheryl Besse (BSN’92, MN’00), associate professor at the College of Nursing.

“Her enthusiasm inspires students, and her high standard for excellent nursing care sets a strong foundation for their careers.”

The College of Nursing congratulates Jill Zdunich on this well-deserved recognition and wishes to thank her for her exceptional contributions to nursing education at USask.