On November 20, Brett Kissel was recognized with a National Philanthropy Award nominated by MacEwan University, for Kissel’s work as the Honorary Chair of MacEwan’s new country music program.

In April, 2022, Kissel, along with Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jackie Rae Greening, launched the Distinguished Visiting Artists in Country Music Program at Edmonton’s MacEwan University, which will be a strategic country music curriculum offered to music students at the University. 

“This will be the first of its’ kind in Canada.  A truly ‘country music program’ offered to university students from around the world to learn about the best genre in the world,” said Kissel in a press release to the Canadian Press.

“Country music is a $2 billion dollar a year industry in Canada, and yet we have no university programs to support the next generation of songwriters, artists, producers, managers, agents, lawyers, publishers, or record executives.  If someone wants to learn about country music in post secondary, they have to go to Belmont University in Nashville,” Kissel explained.

“Well, no longer.  Because here in my city, here in Edmonton, we are offering an amazing program to keep our artists here in Canada!”

Kissel was awarded the National Philanthropy plaque in a public ceremony in Edmonton.