Melanie Peacock, PhD, is an active scholar in human resources management and has taught at Mount Royal since 2004. She is the recipient of numerous awards within the field of human resources.
Associate Professor Melanie Peacock, PhD, received the highest recognition given within Canada's human resources (HR) industry at a virtual national event held in September. Peacock teaches HR in the Bissett School of Business and has almost 30 years of experience as a human resources management professional.
Considered "the most coveted award" at the annual event, the O.C. Tanner Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to someone "who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry as a whole through visionary people management strategies and leadership," as described by Canadian HR Awards information.
Peacock says she was overwhelmed by the unexpected honour. "To be recognized by people who inspire me, who motivate me, and who I hold in high regard, means so much to me."
To be eligible, recipients must have at least 15 years of distinguished experience, have made lasting contributions to organizations over the years and have shown leadership and provided inspiration to others. Nominees are vetted through an extensive process of interviews within the industry.
In her acceptance speech, Peacock acknowledged the role others have played in her professional growth.
"I share this with the thousands of students who've allowed me to share their learning journey with them over the past many years. And I share it with my colleagues because I've learned so much from and with them."
For Brian Traynor, acting dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, Peacock's appreciation of her colleagues is not surprising. "Melanie Peacock is a wonderful colleague," he says. "She is the ultimate professional and a great role model for our students."
Peacock credits students, too, for helping her grow as a professional and has high praise for the many who have passed through her classroom over the years.
"I share this with the thousands of students who've allowed me to share their learning journey with them over the past many years. And I share it with my colleagues because I've learned so much from and with them."
Melanie Peacock
"What can I say about our students? I have always been blessed to have the most wonderful students who are inquisitive, who are challenging in respectful ways. The questions I get asked push me to rethink my own approach or understanding. That's lovely when we can do that together, we can all grow and evolve together."
Peacock adds that what she values about the human resources program at Mount Royal is its pragmatism and how it blends theory with real-world trends and professional designations. Mount Royal University was the first post-secondary institution in Alberta to be accredited by CPHR Alberta, providing students who want to pursue an HR career with a strong competitive advantage.
Peacock, a former president of the Mount Royal Faculty Association, also believes working at Mount Royal is a special experience.
"I've been allowed to be myself good, bad or indifferent. It's nice when you can go somewhere and you're working with brilliant students and brilliant people. We rely heavily on staff all of those things you don't find in every institution."
The author of several textbooks, Peacock is an active scholar in human resources management and has taught at Mount Royal since 2004. She is the recipient of numerous awards within the field of human resources.
Traynor says, "This industry recognition affirms what many of us already know. Melanie has a transformative impact on students in the classroom and is a leader in our Canadian HR community."
Explore human resources and other programs in the Bissett School of Business.
By Melissa Rolfe
