GSA Announces President & CEO In Training

For Immediate Release: February 14, 2023
For More Information: Sarah Ranco, Chair of the Board, sranco@wlugsa.ca

Waterloo, ON… The Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Coleman to the position of President & CEO for the period May 1st 2023 – April 30th, 2025. Taylor will be President & CEO in training from March 1st, 2023 until April 30th, 2023, offering her the opportunity to train and develop under the direction and leadership of current President & CEO, Jeremy Wagner.

“We are very fortunate to welcome Taylor into our team. She’s an experienced leader with a strong commitment to community building and supporting graduate students through their experiences at Laurier. Our elected Board representatives are confident that Taylor will be able guide the GSA through our upcoming strategic plan, especially given the impacts of the pandemic on academia. Her thoughtfulness, commitment to advocacy, and understanding of the contemporary graduate student experience will ensure that the unique needs of our community are met.” - Sarah Ranco, Chair of the Board

Taylor is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education studying the role of parents in the development and functioning of youth sport teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Prince Edward Island, and a Master of Kinesiology and Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. Taylor has operated in numerous student leadership roles within her department during her six years at Laurier, which has led to the development of experience in advocacy, organizing and implementing events, conflict resolution, and community building. Taylor’s research on youth sport in the Waterloo Community has led to passions for developing community partnership, translating knowledge to practice and policy, and fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion that she will carry forward into her role to continue to support and empower the graduate students of Laurier.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a successful candidate to serve Laurier’s graduate student population in this position. In recent years, exponential global change, forced isolation and remote learning, and excessive workloads have left many (i.e., students, faculty, staff) exhausted and disconnected from the Laurier community. I believe it is time to look to the future and to the plethora of opportunities that exist for all of us. The GSA’s desire to do the same is evident in their ongoing advocacy efforts, and initiatives, to support all facets of student wellbeing and to optimize the graduate student experience.  In order to continue progressing forward, reigniting our in-person community, keeping momentum in advocacy efforts, and continuing to strengthen our community partnerships will be critical for success.” - Taylor Coleman, President & CEO in Training

“Taylor is a person of outstanding character, thoughtfulness and drive. As a distinguished scholar and activist in our community, Taylor brings strong communication, creativity, and community development skills to all she does. She cares deeply about those she works with and has a remarkable track-record of being an inclusive community builder. I have no doubt that Taylor will be a dedicated advocate and collaborate with university partners to identify key priorities and strengthen graduate student experiences at Laurier. It is a great privilege to welcome Taylor as the incoming President and CEO of the GSA.”
- Jeremy Wagner, President & CEO

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