Miranda Mackenzie (BA/BEd '16), Convocation and Student Records Coordinator

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Calgary. However, both my parents were raised in Taber, and as a result of many holidays spent with my grandparents, southern Alberta has always felt like home to me. I moved to Lethbridge in 2012 to complete my BA/BEd, majoring in General Humanities and English Language Arts Education and aside from a short stint teaching in Trochu, Alberta, right after graduation, I’ve been here ever since! Prior to returning to the University as staff, I taught at G.S. Lakie Middle School.

When did you join ULethbridge and what roles have you filled in your time here?
My first role at the University was working in Counselling & Career Services as a Program Assistant & Event Coordinator. I held that position for a year before Career Services merged with the Career Bridge office and have worked in that office for the past two years! My primary responsibilities in my role were coordinating Career & Job Fair, as well as student outreach opportunities. In addition to my full-time role, I work for the Accommodated Learning Centre as an academic strategist, which is a position I find incredibly rewarding!

Congratulations on becoming the new convocation and student records coordinator! What will this new role entail?
I have lots to learn! But I am so excited to be providing graduates with an in-person Convocation this spring, as well as welcoming back our graduates of 2020 and 2021 to celebrate in person.

"Convocation is a super unique event, in that the whole institution really comes together to provide students with this experience. I am looking forward to connecting the dots and providing an exceptional experience for all involved!"

What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
Everything I have done career-wise post-graduation has been about giving students an exceptional student experience! Having the opportunity to create the meaningful moment that Convocation is for students is incredibly exciting. I am also super excited about the team I am a part of — they do amazing things for students, every day; I couldn’t be more thrilled to join them!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, most of my time is given to two things, my giant fluff-beast, Honey (she’s a Bernese Mountain Dog who thinks she’s a lap dog and the love of my life), and coaching basketball. I coach the Coalhurst High School Senior Girls Basketball team, as well as serve on the board of directors and coach for the Lethbridge Minor Basketball Association! In the rare case that I’m not doing one of those two things, I enjoy hot yoga, staying active, spending time with family and friends and I am looking forward to travelling again in the near future!