OCNews

Dr. Samantha Lenci, a well-respected leader with experience working across multiple post-secondary institutions in Western Canada, has been named the new provost and vice president academic at Okanagan College, effective Dec. 1, 2023. 

“Dr. Lenci is an outstanding leader and team builder who brings expertise in program design, development and implementation, as well as an understanding of the transformative power of post-secondary education in communities,” said Dr. Neil Fassina, OC president. “Most importantly, in addition to her impressive curriculum vitae, we welcome Samantha’s passion to work with partners in our region and beyond, to provide meaningful, relevant learning opportunities to students.”

Dr. Lenci will come to Okanagan College from Lethbridge College in Alberta, where she is currently provost and vice president, academic. Prior to Lethbridge, she was the associate vice president of academic services at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Dr. Lenci also worked at Mount Royal University and Bow Valley College.

“I am thrilled to be joining OC and look forward to working with students, staff and communities across the Interior region to continue the College’s rich, 60-year history of educating, training and inspiring learners,” said Lenci. “Okanagan College has an outstanding reputation as an institution committed to working together with partners to achieve its mission of transforming lives and communities. 

Dr. Lenci replaces Dr. Andrew Hay, who retired from Okanagan College in September, after more than 30 years. She holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Mount Royal College (now University), a bachelor’s degree in Community Rehabilitation and a Master of Education degree from the University of Calgary (U of C). Most recently, she earned her Doctor of Education with a specialization in higher education leadership from the U of C.