St. Thomas More (STM) faculty, staff, alumni, and donors, were joined by the Minister of Advanced Education along with USask’s new president at Jan. 8 event

This article was originally published on the St. Thomas More College website (LINK) and is re-published with permission.

By Cameron Choquette, STM Director of Strategic Initiatives 

At a time when the value of post‑secondary education is being questioned, St. Thomas More College (STM) released its new College Plan 2030, entitled More For U. The “U” reflects the College’s commitment to delivering more for university students, the University of Saskatchewan (USask), and the broader university experience in Saskatchewan.

“This new college plan builds on what we already do and seeks to offer more under four key strategic priorities – Vital Liberal Arts, Hospitable Catholicism, Engaged Indigenization, and Holistic Community,” said STM President Carl Still.

STM President Carl Still speaks at the Jan. 8 launch of the College Plan 2030. (Photo courtesy of STM College)

Joining dozens of STM faculty, staff, alumni, and donors, was the Minister of Advanced Education and MLA for Saskatoon Willowgrove, Honorable Ken Cheveldayoff. In addition to touring the College, Cheveldayoff brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

“The STM College Plan 2030 is more than a strategic plan—it’s a forward-thinking vision that champions student success, reconciliation and community well-being. St. Thomas More has always been an important part of the post-secondary community, and this plan builds on that strong foundation,” Cheveldayoff stated in his remarks to the audience.

Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff speaks at the launch of the college plan. (Photo courtesy of STM College)

New USask President and Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Vince Bruni‑Bossio was also in attendance, alongside members of the College’s Board of Governors and Corporation.

Each of the plan’s four priorities includes three goals. The launch featured four speakers who articulated the importance of each priority.

STM alumna Brette Kristoff (BA’18, MA’23) spoke on the Vital Liberal Arts priority and highlighted how the Irene and Doug Schmeiser Centre for Faith, Reason, Peace, and Justice brings Catholic Social Teaching to life. She emphasized how the centre helps students develop real‑world liberal arts skills that have never been more important.

STM Campus Minister Michael MacLean gave attendees an inside look at how the Hospitable Catholicism priority empowers the college to live out its Catholic identity and embrace its mission to welcome everyone. In 2026, the college’s Newman Centre will celebrate 100 years—a significant milestone in the life of Saskatchewan’s Catholic community.

“Welcoming students, all students—Hospitable Catholicism—it’s what we do, and what we’ve always done. But it’s our job, all our jobs, as ambassadors of STM, to let people know and to continue to live it out by celebrating our Catholic identity and helping students find their home at STM,” said MacLean.

Michael MacLean of STM Campus Ministry (Photo courtesy of STM College)

The Engaged Indigenization priority was presented by Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Sarah Knudson. She serves as Chair of the Indigenous Search Committee, which is currently leading a search for two tenure‑track Indigenous faculty members. If successful, these new scholars will transform the college’s academic program through their teaching, research, scholarly, and artistic work. Their presence will help the college integrate Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing and complement the work of the inaugural Providence kanaweyihtâkosowin Chair in Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation.

Tina Zheng, Engaged Learning Operations Coordinator, highlighted how the Holistic Community priority—and its goal of providing opportunities for students to learn and grow both in the classroom and through co‑curricular experiences—is already making an impact.

The HealthCare Education and Research Training (HEART) program provides students with real‑world, hands‑on experience. Through training in research skills and learning about systemic barriers, particularly those affecting Indigenous communities, students are able to apply their academic knowledge to real healthcare contexts in Saskatchewan.

Richard Medernach, STM Manager of Student Experience and Enrolment Student Services, welcomes Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff during a tour of St. Thomas More College Jan. 8. (Photo courtesy of STM College)

Touring the STM Chapel during the launch event. (Photo courtesy of STM College)

Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff (right) at the launch reception. (Photo courtesy of STM College)

Transformational year

The 2026–27 academic year is set to be transformational for STM, with the appointment of a new dean, the hiring of the inaugural Lois Brockman Professor in Child Development, the hiring of two new Indigenous faculty members, and the naming of the inaugural Providence kanaweyihtâkosowin Chair in Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation.

All of these transformational changes are possible because of the generous support of our students, the Government of Saskatchewan, a strong federated relationship with USask, and the generosity of our donors and alumni.

The new college plan will guide operations and planning from now until 2030 as the college seeks to deliver more for university students, the University of Saskatchewan, and the broader university experience in Saskatchewan.

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