Dear colleagues,

Several support staff in the Dean’s Office helped me get organized last week, and I have now settled into my new office.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I have already felt very supported in my transition. I look forward to meeting more members of the Riddell community, learning about your work, and understanding the professional development opportunities that support your roles and career interests.

If you would like to schedule a meeting with me, please connect with my Confidential Assistant, Mrs. Kelly Pokorny Smilinski (Kelly.Pokorny@umanitoba.ca), who has access to my calendar and can help find a suitable time. You can also always reach me at Dean.Riddell@umanitoba.ca. The inbox is monitored throughout the workday by Kelly (or an alternate) and me, including to ensure that urgent matters are addressed promptly.

Finally, I wish everyone a very warm welcome to the 2026/27 academic year! I look forward to working together to build on what makes the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources a place we can all be proud to belong to.

Annemieke Farenhorst, Drs., Ph.D., P.Ag.

Dean, Clayton H.Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba.

Connect with Riddell Faculty Student Services and discover what is happening across the Riddell Faculty through LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and the Website.

Other appointments:

Professor of Soil Science,Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba.

Associate editor, ACS Agricultural Science and Technology. 

Titular Member and Past-President, Division VI Chemistry and the Environment, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry 

The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and the present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of an environment where everyone can thrive. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution.