In July, Jessie Metcalfe, assistant director, OVPS, was the recipient of a 2025 Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential (SVP) Staff Award. 

Jessie was recognized for her exemplary work that advances the University’s mission in support of the academic community and in her exceptional efforts to enhance the experience for the University community.  

“Jessie has made many outstanding contributions in a range of areas in the OVPS and beyond – I am just consistently impressed with her work,” says Professor Sandy Welsh, U of T’s vice-provost, students, and co-nominator, along with Robyn Parr, executive director in the OVPS. 

“We are so fortunate to have Jessie on our team,” adds Robyn.  

“And we’re thrilled that she received this award, which is a true testament to her dedication to improving student life on many levels and for many people.”  

Since joining the OVPS in March 2020 – right at the start of the COVID pandemic and encountering some of the related challenges that came along with it – Jessie dove right into several projects, including the Review of the Role of the Colleges on the St. George Campus, Residences Working Group and subsequent St. George Residence Review. More recently Jessie provided vital support to co-chairs Sandy Welsh and Robert Gazzale, and the Artificial Intelligence Student Services Working Group.  

Additionally, Jessie’s leadership was crucial for overseeing U of T’s Student Equity Census and implementing the data dashboard in 2024. Jessie and her collaborators recently presented this project to other higher education professionals at the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services Conference in Halifax (June 2025). 

One of the supporters of the SVP Staff Award nomination provided an appropriate summation, noting that “Jessie quickly established herself in the OVPS as an outstanding project manager and a go-to person for getting things done, and she has continued her high-level of achievement and productivity ever since.” 

Congratulations to Jessie and to all the recipients of the 2025 SVP Staff Award. 

The SVP Staff Award has been given annually since 2013 and recognizes staff in service of the President’s Office, the Division of the Vice-President & Provost, a Vice-Presidential Division, or the Office of the Governing Council who have made outstanding contributions to their division or the broader University.