Presidential Search 2011-2012
Kwantlen Polytechnic University appoints Dr. Alan Davis as President
Metro Vancouver, BC – (April 2, 2012) – The Board of Governors at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Alan Davis as incoming President effective September 1, 2012.
Dr. Davis has studied and worked at well known institutions in the UK, United States and Canada, and has played leadership roles at the British Columbia Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College and Vancouver Community College. Most recently, Dr. Davis held the position of President at State University of New York, Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Dr. Davis has extensive teaching experience at colleges and universities across Western Canada, including Athabasca University, Vancouver Community College, Douglas College and Fraser Valley College.
A native of Reading, England, Dr. Davis has lived in North America since 1972, and spent the majority of these years in British Columbia. He earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science in Chemistry from Simon Fraser University, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with honours, from the University of London.
Dr. Davis’ formal education combined with practical experience exemplifies everything Kwantlen stands for. He has devoted his career to higher education and is passionate about education and the success of students. He has held a direct connection with the student experience in a variety of past leadership roles and consistently worked to ensure his institutions score very high on student satisfaction surveys.
“Coming back home to BC to lead Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a dream come true,” says Dr. Davis. “It is one of the most interesting and important universities in the province and the country, serving a growing and diverse population with its dedication to teaching and learning, scholarship and service. Kwantlen has established a bold vision and made serious commitments to the communities and students it serves. It is an honour to be asked to further define that vision, and to join this outstanding university community as it fulfills those commitments.”
In addition to his extraordinary academic contributions through publications and presentations, Dr. Davis is a published playwright who has worked extensively in community theater. He is married with four children.
Dr. Davis’ innovative, transformative and ambitious vision will serve Kwantlen well as it continues to attract top students from around the world.
He succeeds Dr. John McKendry who has served as President since July 2011.
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Presidential Search Begins
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is undertaking a presidential search to replace Dr. David Atkinson, who recently resigned his position to assume the presidency of Grant MacEwan University. The Board of Governors has appointed Dr. John McKendry as Interim President until the conclusion of the presidential search.Having the opportunity to forge a new university is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. The new President & Vice Chancellor will join Kwantlen at a time when the institution is still evolving and building new capacity, processes and procedures in order to meet its new mandate as a Polytechnic University. The President and Vice Chancellor will shape the institution during a period of dynamic growth and change. In partnership with the senior leadership team and the Kwantlen community, the individual will guide the institution as it builds on its traditional strengths in arts and sciences while pursuing opportunities that its polytechnic status offers to students, faculty and staff.
The search for a president is the responsibility of the Board of Governors in consultation with the University Senate.
A Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC), chaired by Gord Schoberg, Chair of the Board of Governors, has been established. This Committee is comprised of five Board of Governors representatives, three Senate representatives, five Kwantlen Faculty Association representatives, two BCGEU representatives, two deans, one vice president, three students and the Chair of the Kwantlen Foundation. Odgers Berndtson, the largest executive search firm in Canada (in terms of staff and revenue), has been retained to assist with the appointment.
The work of PSAC is confidential. However, this website will be an important means of providing the Kwantlen community and other interested parties with progress reports. Announcements and information updates will be posted to this website.
An extensive consultation process has been conducted regarding key issues at the University and characteristics to be sought in the new President. This has been accomplished through stakeholder meetings as well as through a website survey available to Kwantlen employees and students.
A Briefing Document has been developed for prospective candidates, containing key themes as derived from the consultation process, as well as general information about the University, the President’s mandate, and a description of the ideal candidate qualifications.
Advertising copy has been finalized and has appeared in several venues. Odgers Berndtson is beginning a proactive outreach/networking program to seek out prospective candidates.
PSAC hopes to provide the Board of Governors with recommendations by the end of 2011.
Any queries regarding the process may be addressed to Odgers Berndtson consultants as follows:
| Craig Hemer, Partner | craig.hemer@odgersberndtson.ca |
| Barbara Quelch, Consultant | barbara.quelch@odgersberndtson.ca |
