USB staff thrive where community and career intersect

When Katelyn North transitioned to professor with Université de Saint-Boniface (USB), it was like a homecoming for the graduate of USB’s nursing program.

“I was able to reconnect with the staff,” says the nursing professor, who saw the opportunities for growth at USB first-hand through her colleagues.

“A lot of the professors who once taught me are now in executive positions or still part of the faculty – it was so nice to see that progress 10 years later.”

Though she stepped into the teaching role, North remained involved in clinical practice as a registered nurse while pursuing a master’s degree in nursing science.

“The University is quite flexible so I’m able to do it all,” she explains. “It’s very supportive and the university ensures that professors can succeed and stay up to date with all of the changes in the profession.”

Whenever North looked to move her career forward, new pathways would emerge within the institution, an experience shared by university secretary Christian Perron.

“Getting clear messages that advancement is possible – even if we might have to be patient – is a very strong motivator,” says Perron, who has held four different job titles at the university in over two decades.

“Every leader I’ve ever had here always encouraged me to keep exploring and learning,” says Perron. “I truly sense that at USB we want to help people continue to educate and better themselves.”

A USB graduate as well, Perron was hired in the cultural sector (animation culturelle) in 2002 and worked his way up from coordinator to director of student recruitment and services, becoming university secretary in 2025. Along the way, the university constantly encouraged self-improvement through various workshops, courses and even by obtaining a master’s certificate in project management.

“The openness and encouragement to push myself was consequential,” Perron reflects. “In retrospect, I wouldn’t be in my current position without it.”

Being able to grow personally and professionally means employees never stagnate, allowing them to achieve satisfaction and job success.

“USB always made me feel like I was in the right place,” he says. “It's also an incredibly dynamic place to work. During my 12 years as director of student services, every day felt unique, bringing new challenges and opportunities to learn.”

“After 22 years, I truly believe USB is constantly evolving and reaching new heights,” says Perron. “Each year brings fresh ideas and meaningful progress.”

For North, opportunities at the university have not only been able to bolster her scope of practice, but the job has allowed her to work in French, her primary language.

“Finding a way that I could keep the French culture and language alive in my work was very important to me,” says North.

As the only French-language university in Western Canada, USB is a pillar of Manitoba’s francophone community.

“I'm always willing to go the extra mile – because it is not just for USB, but for the community we serve as well,” says Perron, a born and raised Franco-Manitoban.

Through its mission, USB not only helps students reach their full potential but helps the community to thrive.

“I have a very strong sense of belonging at USB because it’s also part of the francophone community in Manitoba,” Perron says.

“We’re a tightly-knit community that’s evolving and growing in many different ways. But that sense of belonging is getting stronger than ever.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba's Top Employers competition, published March 11, 2025 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.