Get to know... Courtney Borst

This month, we’re excited to highlight Courtney Borst, Development Coordinator at the Alberta School of Business, whose journey across multiple roles at the university, deep commitment to community, and family-centered perspective bring warmth and connection to everything she does.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I’ve lived in 12 different homes throughout my life. My childhood was spent moving around St. Albert—10 times in total—because my dad enjoyed building and selling homes as a hobby when he was not working his day job as a police officer. After a stint in Ontario (Belleville and Peterborough), I finally settled back down. After two moves with my husband, I’ve decided that 12 is my lucky number; I’m done with moving for the foreseeable future!

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend or day off?

My favorite way to spend my weekends is with my two boys, Harrison (7) and William (5). They are incredibly fun and full of energy! During the summer, we love heading out first thing in the morning to check the garden and see which veggies are ready to pick. In the winter, you’ll usually find us at the rink for hockey practices or games. Our favorite treat, however, is a slow morning at home—complete with cartoons, a hot coffee for me, and plenty of Lego building.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

What a great question! If I could go anywhere, Japan would be at the top of my list. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the culture. It’s so clean, safe, and full of incredible sights (plus, I’d love to visit Tokyo Disney!). I’m also drawn to Scotland and Ireland; I fell in love with Europe during my first trip and am eager to explore more of that region. However, if I could return to any one place, it would be Hawaii. I’m a homebody at heart, and that’s the only place I’ve ever been where I didn’t feel homesick. It is truly beautiful!

What’s a hobby or skill you’ve recently picked up (or would like to try)?

I’ve really embraced my “homemaker” side lately. I love the process of perfecting my sourdough and spending as much time as possible in the garden from spring through the fall.

What’s a book, movie or TV show you’re currently enjoying?

I love a good book, but my current pace is roughly one every seven months! I usually gravitate toward reality TV (nothing challenging my mind), like Love Is Blind and Selling the OC, or anything involving beautiful homes. I also find that period dramas like Bridgerton are the best way to make time fly while I get steps in on the treadmill.

Do you have a favourite meal or go-to comfort food?

I have a few favorites! Depending on the mood, I usually go for butternut squash soup, a healthy stir-fry, or a full BBQ spread with chicken, corn on the cob, and a summer salad.

What inspires or motivates you the most in your day-to-day life?

My faith is my greatest inspiration. My husband was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and while we are all doing well now, I truly could not have navigated that chapter without leaning on God.

My family is my constant motivation. Growing up, my parents were always so encouraging, and I strive to provide that same support for my husband and children. My boys are my world; I do everything I can to be healthy, patient, and present for them. I’m not perfect every day, but that’s why I try my hardest. Raising them to be kind, respectful, and strong men is the most important mission of my life.

If you could have dinner with any historical or famous figure, who would it be and why?

I’ve always been intrigued by the women of the Royal Family. If I could host a dinner, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle would be at the top of my list. They represent such strength; they’ve raised children and managed their lives in front of the entire world.

Since the Royal Family is rooted in such traditional rules, I’d love to hear how they keep those traditions alive in today’s modern society. I’m especially curious about how they stay strong for their husbands and manage to create a normal family lifestyle despite the constant public eye.

Can you share a bit about your role and what brought you to the Alberta School of Business?

My journey with the University began in 2011 within the Faculty of Medicine, where I was hired to organize and prepare documentation for an audit in the Continuing Professional Development office. That experience led me to a Program Administrator role in Executive Education at the Alberta School of Business in 2012, eventually moving into a Program Coordinator role for the Government of Alberta portfolio.

In 2018, while on maternity leave with my first son, I joined a company called 13 Ways, where I spent the next five years. Three years ago, I returned to the University as a Program Coordinator on the Development team. It truly feels like I never left the School of Business!

What’s something about your job that you wish more people knew?

I truly wish everyone could know the team I work with directly—they are some of the best people I’ve ever met. Your team can truly make or break your work experience, and I feel like I hit the jackpot with mine, as well as with the wonderful colleagues in the Dean’s Office. Since we spend so much of our lives together, building those relationships makes our work that much better.

Another thing I wish people could see is the impact of our work through the letters we receive from scholarship and award recipients. It makes the job so rewarding. I want everyone at the School of Business to know that their hard work truly matters—the students see it, they appreciate it, and every single one of you counts!

What’s been your most memorable moment at the Alberta School of Business so far?

One of my most memorable experiences was the Calgary Stampede. It was a joy to work at the School of Business breakfast, where we had the opportunity to meet many of our alumni and donors living in Calgary. It was also a fantastic chance to collaborate with our central team and connect with colleagues across the Alberta School of Business. There is nothing quite like the experience of working alongside people you admire while enjoying such a high-energy event.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with a new colleague joining the school?

Take the time to truly get to know your colleagues. We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, and the quality of your connections can truly make or break your professional experience. Building positive relationships makes every challenge easier and every success more rewarding.