Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge expresses its deep condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Dean Emerita Una Ridley, who passed away June 12, 2026 at the age of 93.

Ridley became dean of what was then the ULethbridge 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. Many know of Ridley through the Una Ridley Lecture Series, named in honour of her lasting impact on the University of Lethbridge.

"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?' says Dr. Shannon Spenceley (BN '84), professor emerita and former dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. "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."

To view Ridley's obituary notice, visit the Cornerstone Funeral Homes web page.

The University will lower its flag on Monday, July 27 in recognition of Ridley.