Andrea Eccleston works as the Operations Manager in the International Office. She has been a dedicated member of ASPA for over 18 years. In addition to her professional role, Andrea has volunteered with Huskie Football for 26 seasons as Team Manager.
Her longstanding commitment to amateur football in Saskatchewan was recently recognized with the Roughrider Recognition Award, honouring her outstanding contributions and dedication to the sport.
Describe your position and what you do.
Since 2021, Andrea has been a key member of the International Office team at USask, where she manages all aspects of the department’s operations, including human resources, finance, facilities, communications, scheduling, and more. She works closely with both USask partners and research teams to support international collaboration and engagement.
Andrea also serves as the primary coordinator for the People Around the World (PAW) International Congress. This annual event brings together researchers, scholars, industry partners, government representatives, and community members from across Saskatchewan and beyond. The Congress focuses on pressing global issues in areas such as health, environmental sciences, sustainability, food, energy and water, digital technologies, and the social sciences, with the goal of exploring creative, inclusive, and accessible solutions to support planetary health.
What is the best part of your job?
“The best part of my job is seeing a successful PAW Congress take place!”
Managing an event of this size requires extensive planning and comes with its fair share of challenges.
Andrea wears many hats when organizing the PAW Congress, from coordinating speakers and overseeing logistics, to supporting the Scientific Committee and serving as a key member of the planning committee. Her dedication and versatility are vital to the success of this large-scale event.
What is your most memorable accomplishment?
“As the Operations Manager it has to be PAW 2024; however, through my football career there are many but most recently receiving the Football Saskatchewan Roughrider Recognition Award.”
Are you involved in any groups or committees at work outside of your day-to-day activities? if yes, what do you like about that involvement?
Andrea supports the International Operations Committee, where she plays a key role in bringing together colleagues from both central units and the colleges. She enjoys creating a space for collaboration, learning, and dialogue around internationalization efforts, and values the opportunity to stay informed and engaged with initiatives happening across campus in this area.
What are you passionate about *outside* of work?
Andrea is deeply passionate about her involvement in the football community. “My journey with football began in high school, and I was fortunate to join Huskie Football in my first year of university as an equipment assistant. Now, 26 seasons later, I proudly serve as the Team Manager.”
In addition to her longstanding role with the Huskies, Andrea has volunteered extensively with Football Canada, Football Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon Minor Football, taking on a variety of meaningful roles. Among the most rewarding has been her positions as Equipment Manager for both men’s and women’s provincial and national teams. She also served as Equipment Manager for the Saskatoon Hilltops for two seasons, including during their 2007 Canadian Bowl championship run.
Anything you would like to add that we have not asked?
“I consider myself an advocate for education and safety in sport,” Andrea shares. She regularly offers clinics on equipment fitting and maintenance, underscoring the critical role that properly fitted gear plays in both athlete safety and performance. She is also deeply committed to mentoring others who are interested in the essential behind-the-scenes work that supports the game.
Andrea’s dedication to leadership and professional excellence is reflected in her academic and professional achievements. In 2012, she earned a Master of Arts in Leadership, and in 2015, became a Certified Athletic Equipment Manager through the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA). Since 2016, she has served both the AEMA Exam and Education Committees, helping to shape standards and training for equipment professionals across North America.
This member highlight was written by Madiha Rizki, ASPA Communications & Public Relations Committee member.