Mandeep Kaur Mucina reappointed as SCYC Director
March 17, 2026
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Mandeep Kaur Mucina has been reappointed for an additional two-year term as Director of the School of Child and Youth Care (SCYC). Mandeep’s relationship to SCYC is a full-circle that begins with her as an undergraduate CYC student and returning two decades later to serve in the school’s highest leadership role. Her formative experiences at SCYC shaped the foundation of an extraordinary academic, professional, and community-engaged career. Mandeep’s deep and intimate connection to CYC continues to inspire and encourage all of us who are fortunate to work alongside her.
While the core commitments of the CYC program remain steadfast, Mandeep has witnessed significant positive and transformative change since her time as a student. She highlights in particular “the ways in which CYC has become responsive to Indigenous communities, particularly in responding to the TRC calls to action, and how we have embedded and engaged with critical theories while thinking through how we are working with historically marginalized communities.” SCYC’s ongoing commitment to decolonizing curriculum, pedagogy, and practice to meet real-world challenges is reflected in attracting an increasing diversity of both students and faculty.
As Director, Mandeep has consistently championed equity and meaningful inclusion, ensuring that the school continues to move beyond representation at the level of optics. Over the past two years, she has led the hiring of six talented faculty members and several exceptional staff. She has also prioritized the mentorship of pre-tenure faculty, supporting them collectively through the processes of reappointment, tenure, and promotion. In addition to her leadership in faculty development, Mandeep chairs key decision-making committees, responds thoughtfully to student feedback, and represents SCYC across the broader university. Her tenure has included guiding the school through major institutional transitions, including SCYC’s seamless move into the Faculty of Education in 2025.
Mandeep speaks fondly of the heart of CYC practice that has grounded her throughout her career: relational engagement, connecting theory to practice, and being “in relationship wherever children, youth, families, and communities are… often in their most comfortable and everyday spaces.” She brings this relational philosophy into her work with faculty, staff, and students, fostering a collaborative and community-oriented approach to decision-making. She acknowledges that the role of Director is a complex balancing act, but she is grateful for the collegiality, generosity, and shared commitment of those with whom she works.
Dr. Mucina’s directorship continues to embody the core values of Child and Youth Care: respect, responsiveness, and reciprocity. We are deeply grateful for her vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the well being of our school and the communities we serve.
This story was originally featured in the Spring 2026 issue of our newsletter. .