![](https://www.yorku.ca/yfile/wp-content/uploads/sites/889/2022/03/students-featured.jpg)
A new award named after Ron Owston, who served as Dean of York University’s Faculty of Education from 2012-16, will provide financial support to students enrolled in the Faculty of Education’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) Educational Studies and Master of Leadership and Community Engagement (MLCE) programs.
![Ron Owston](https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ron-Owston-SCOOP.jpg)
Valued at $500 each, the awards will be granted to domestic or international students who, during their first year have a minimum 7.5 or A average and demonstrate financial need.
The BA Educational Studies and the Master of Leadership and Community Engagement programs were established under Owston’s leadership as dean of the Faculty of Education. A pioneer in teaching, learning, and research on the internet since its early days, he also was the founding director of the Institute for Research in Learning Technologies at York University.
“Since both of these programs are reasonably new and had no specifically designated student awards, I wanted to provide this opportunity for students in each of the programs,” said Owston. “The award will help ease the financial burden students in these programs face.”
Earlier this year, Owston decided to endow the award by committing to raise $30,000 over the next seven years.
Learn more about the Dean Ron Owston Award, or contact legacy@yorku.ca.