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0 As the guiding force behind The Meliorist, our Board of Directors shapes the vision, direction, and sustainability of our publication. Bringing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, each member is deeply committed to enriching student life at the University of Lethbridge.
In a nonprofit, the Board is the cornerstone of governance and accountability. While staff manage daily operations, board members provide strategic oversight to keep the organization mission-focused and operating with integrity. Their responsibilities include:
- Governance and Oversight – Setting strategic direction, approving policies, and upholding ethical standards.
- Fiduciary Responsibility – Safeguarding financial health through budgets and resource management.
- Strategic Guidance – Partnering with leadership to set goals and respond to evolving needs.
- Advocacy and Ambassadorship – Championing the mission, building relationships, and strengthening public presence.
A strong board offers vision, stability, and credibility; thus, empowering The Meliorist to safeguard our independence, amplify student voices, and remain a vibrant platform for expression and engagement for years to come.
Meet our Board of Directors
Gage DeSteur
Board Director — President
Jocelyn McKnight
Board Director — Treasurer
Jocelyn McKnight is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts with a minor in French at the University of Lethbridge. She is actively involved in the Visionary Cross Project, works as an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, and serves as an instructional designer for online secondary education in Alberta. Jocelyn is excited to contribute her skills as a board member of The Meliorist and to embrace her role as Treasurer.
Shadow Stanger
Board Director — Secretary
Shadow Stanger is a fourth-year Art History and Museum Studies student. As an artist and curator, I am drawn to my ancestors. I am interested in the magical mining and re-staging of my family’s archival trove of photography, artwork, and found objects* through various mediums. In my art practice, I enjoy cosmically reimagining the visual language of film photographs via their reprints in hand-cut photomontage. (*found in my grandma’s house)
A K M Iftekhar Khalid
Board Director
Khalid is a Ph.D. student in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (CSPT), housed in the Department of English and Humanities Innovative Lab (HIL) at the University of Lethbridge. His academic work bridges cultural theory and interdisciplinary research, bringing a thoughtful and globally informed perspective to the board.
Kaiden Nott
Board Director
Kaiden is a first-year Neuroscience major with a keen interest in pain medicine. In addition to serving as a Board member for The Meliorist, he also acts as Secretary for the Campus Conservatives. Kaiden joined the board to gain a deeper understanding of campus life and to represent the perspectives of first-year students in what he considers the best organization on campus. Outside of academics, he enjoys studying, reading the news, and spending time around campus.
Jessica Sumbera
Board Director
Jessica is a fourth-year Business and Psychology student whose time with The Meliorist has been short but impactful. She values the way the publication brings students together, fosters community, and creates space for passionate self-expression. As the 2025/2026 VP of Student Life-Elect for the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU), Jessica hopes to encourage collaboration between campus groups, including The Meliorist. She believes showcasing student successes through the publication can inspire others and create a culture where excellence is both celebrated and cultivated.
One Comment
speed stars
This board looks incredibly dedicated and diverse, bringing valuable skills and perspectives to The Meliorist. Their commitment to student voice and integrity is inspiring, and I’m excited to see how they’ll shape the publication’s future.