York University’s 2025 Spring Convocation will honour two faculty members with Distinguished Research Professor and University Professor recognitions.
The Distinguished Research Professor title is awarded to a faculty member whose research has had a significant and lasting impact, both at York University and beyond. It is a recognition of scholarly excellence and leadership that has shaped fields of study and contributed meaningfully to the academic reputation of the University.
The University Professor honour is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching and research, alongside exemplary service to the University community. Recipients are recognized for their broad and sustained influence across all areas of academic life.
University Professorship
Paula Wilson, Faculty of Science
Wilson, a long-serving faculty member in the Department of Biology, has been recognized for her significant contributions to York University’s academic mission, governance and community life.
Since joining York in 1998, she has held a range of senior administrative roles, including associate dean of student affairs, acting dean of the Faculty of Science, acting associate vice-president international, interim Chair of biology and, most recently, head of Bethune College.
She played a central role in developing undergraduate programs such as the biomedical science stream and the international bachelor of science, both of which have broadened access to science education. As a member of the Markham Campus Planning Group, she also supported the development of new professional graduate programs.
As head of Bethune College, she revitalized its role as an academic and social hub, launched new communications platforms, strengthened ties with the Lassonde School of Engineering and reimagined Academic Orientation Day to build student belonging.
A passionate educator and mentor, Wilson is a staunch advocate for removing barriers to learning. Her current scholarship, supported by a York Academic Innovation Fund grant, focuses on improving accessibility in undergraduate labs. Her pedagogical expertise and deep commitment to student success have had a lasting impact on the student experience at York.
While Wilson has received other teaching awards – including the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award and the President’s University-Wide Teaching Award – the University Professorship, she says, stands out.
"Receiving the University Professor recognition is the highest honour I could receive from York, so it means a lot to me and I’m deeply grateful for it. It has special meaning for me too, as a member of the teaching stream, as this honour rarely goes to teaching stream faculty," says Wilson. "I’m especially thankful for my colleagues who prepared the nomination and support letters, as these things take a substantial amount of time and energy – I feel like I am sharing this honour with them.
"Having the privilege to work with so many outstanding colleagues, students and staff members at York has made it both fun and a pleasure to come to work each day and to be honest, anything I have accomplished has been in collaboration with and because of them."