07/21/2026
It is with heavy hearts that the Faculty of Health Sciences recognizes the passing of Una Ridley, dean emerita.
Many know of Ridley through the Una Ridley Lecture Series, named in honour of her lasting impact on the University of Lethbridge. Ridley became the dean of what was then the School of Nursing in 1987. During her tenure, she led the development of Canada's first bachelor's program in addictions counselling, championed the creation of a collaborative nursing bachelor's degree between ULethbridge, Medicine Hat College and Lethbridge College (now Lethbridge Polytechnic) and expanded the School of Nursing into the School of Health Sciences, which now lives on as the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Ridley was a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal recipient, the first Black president of the Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario and a beloved colleague and friend.
In the words of Dr. Shannon Spenceley (BN '84), professor emerita and former dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences:
"Una was a visionary, wise, patient, supportive and practical leader. She had lived through and ultimately transcended so many barriers to her success as a nurse and a leader — how could she be otherwise? She was also strategic, fierce and driven. And yet, if Una were sitting next to me right now, she would 'tut tut' at that description of her gifts and ask instead, 'Are you having any fun?' I will miss my first academic 'boss,' who was also my mentor and good friend. My most profound memories of her will forever stem from her sense of humour and her confidence that shared laughter is the glue that holds teams — or faculties — together."
We extend our deep gratitude for all the ways Ridley contributed to the growth of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and our heartfelt condolences to Ridley's family and community who continue her legacy.
