Mount Royal University Distinguished Faculty Awards 2020

Maki Motapanyane, PhD, is an associate professor of women's and gender studies (WGST) in the Department of Humanities at MRU. She teaches courses on feminist theory, transnational feminism/globalization, environmental justice, social movements/political upheaval/social change, 'race'/racism and popular culture.

Her work is interdisciplinary, grounded in intersectional feminist analysis and research methods and informed by traditions of liberatory education. “I know the importance and significance of the specific set of skills that students gain from the WGST curriculum, and the incredible opportunity I have to contribute to the journey of my students as drivers of innovation and transformation and valued leaders in their professions and workplaces,” Motapanyane says.

In terms of being recognized for Mount Royal’s Distinguished Faculty Award, Motapanyane says it is both humbling and energizing for the continuing work ahead.

“I am encouraged when I see this kind of work ― too often misrepresented, misunderstood, and maligned ― recognized and celebrated for its profound contributions to liberal education, and its far reach beyond the university.”

Motapanyane, who has been at MRU since 2012, emphasizes four overarching components in her teaching: creativity and collaboration; active participation; self-reflexivity, critical thinking and defensible arguments; and relevance to daily life. Her students say that her approach to practicing open pedagogy is eye-opening and influential in understanding the underpinnings of deeply rooted, complicated societal issues. They say Motapanyane prioritizes each student’s understanding of the matter and that it will be hard to un-see the things they’ve learned from her in the classroom long after their time on campus has passed.

Her peers say that her work respects, fosters and critically engages the diversity of students through a theoretical and political awakening born of experience. Motapanyane is recognized for her academic research, community outreach and public education. She is known for her life-long commitment to social justice and anti-racist work, which has indelibly shaped her students’, colleagues’, and community members’ understanding of and approaches to active civic engagement.