Office of the Registrar

I am keen to serve you, our institution, and community as a Governor in the OCFA/BCGEU-Vocational seat on the Board.

I possess extensive governance experience, having served on multiple community and industry association boards, spanning more than a decade. I am passionate about this volunteer work, and I have been recognized for my collegial governance approach with a President’s Award for “Extraordinary commitment to enabling the organization while ensuring involvement in decisions by those affected".

Since joining OC faculty in 2010 I have intentionally sought volunteer roles with multidisciplinary groups (e.g. Research Ethics Board, Science & Technology CPRC), widening my perspective through collaboration with faculty, instructors, and administrators across the college. I am a champion of positive change and have been recognized for my efforts with an OC Employee Excellence Award (Key Directions). I have taught in Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Kelowna during my lengthy tenure and I have a sound understanding of the forces that shape our culture and work environment, as well as issues that most directly impact faculty and instructors. I have a teacher’s perspective, a governance skill set, and a strong desire to help OC grow and succeed.

My name is Kevin Fukushima, and I am interested in serving a term on the Board of Governors. My first experience at Okanagan College was in the early 2010’s as a mature student, which was so positive it inspired me to pursue a career at OC. I have now worked at Okanagan College for over 10 years in both BCGEU support staff and administration positions. This experience has given me valuable insight into the activities, operations, and culture of Okanagan College, and allowed me to develop relationships throughout the organization. I am a passionate learner and have used the professional development opportunities available at OC to complete a bachelor’s degree, along with certificates and professional designations in occupational health and safety, enterprise risk management, and business continuity management. I strongly believe in the mission, vision, and values of OC and find great meaning and reward in supporting the transformation of lives and communities through education. I believe my experience and knowledge of Okanagan College, along with my expertise in safety and risk management would be valuable to the Board of Governors. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Kindly, Kevin Fukushima

I have worked at OUC/OC since 1991 in support roles. I have been an Education Advisor at the Kelowna campus since 2005, advising both international and domestic students. I feel I have a strong understanding of the admission requirements, program requirements, policies, and procedures at Okanagan College. I have advocated for fairness in admissions and academic processes on behalf of students (both international and domestic). I have been a support staff member of Education Council since November 2019 and have enjoyed the opportunity to learn even more about the various programs and courses offered at Okanagan College. I believe I can be an asset to Education Council and assist in carrying out OC’s Mission, Vision and Values by sharing my knowledge of OC and of its students. A lifetime resident of the Okanagan region, I enjoy camping, crafting, travelling and spending time with my family.

I have been teaching in the Biology Department since 2014, and have taught at the Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton campuses. I am currently the chair of the Biology Department and have been a voting member of EdCo for the past two years. Recently, I have also been part of the Curriculum Criteria and Calendar Committee of EdCo. Over the past two years, I have liked getting a more global perspective on college affairs. I would like to continue my participation for another term, representing faculty in Science and Technology. I am not shy to speak up in support of fair, realistic and inclusive policies. Thank-you for your consideration!

I have been continuing faculty in Communications since 2007, currently serving as department chair. In addition to this work, I sit on the college's Accessibility Committee and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Resource Group. I am also the OCFA representative on FPSE’s Academic Governance Committee. Outside the college, I am on the Boards of the Kelowna Art Gallery and Advocacy Canada.

I am seeking my second term as the Arts representative on Education Council. In my first term I served as Vice Chair from September 2022 until April 2023, Acting Chair until August 2023, and Chair for the 2023-24 term. Should I retain the Arts seat on Education Council, I hope to be re-elected Chair for 2024-25.

As Education Council Chair I have had the opportunity to coordinate several important initiatives intended both to revitalize and modernize Education Council’s procedures and processes, as well as to support the authority and integrity of Education Council within the model of collegial governance legislated by the College and Institute Act. This is work I am passionate about and hope to have the opportunity to continue in the future. Thank you in advance for your support.

I am a vocational instructor and have worked at Okanagan College since 2013. I have served on EdCo since 2017 and hope to continue in this role. I am also on the Ad Hoc Governance Committee and the Operations Committee.