President
Dr. Neil Fassina
Dr. Neil Fassina became Okanagan College's President in April 2021, drawn to the institution for its reputation for transforming lives and communities.
Fassina holds a PhD in Management from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto, a BSc in Psychology from the University of Calgary and is a chartered professional in human resources (CPHR), and a chartered director through the Institute of Chartered Directors (ICD.D). As an active researcher, he has authored or co-authored a number of refereed articles, a Canadian Human Resource Management text, and pursues research interests in negotiations, applied decision making, and the role of education in shaping societies.
Prior to joining OC, Fassina was the President of Athabasca University (2016-21). He served previously as Provost and Vice President Academic at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and the Dean of the JR Shaw School of Business and School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. He has taught as part of his academic career at the University of Toronto, the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba, and in executive environments.
Contacts
Provost and Vice President Academic
Dr. Andrew Hay
Andrew Hay holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta, is a professional engineer registered in B.C. and an honorary member of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. He has taught at the University of Alberta, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Okanagan University College. He is the current chair of the BC College Vice President Academic group and is a member of the following regional and provincial committees: Innovation Okanagan Network, EducationPlannerBC Steering Committee, Technology Education Career Council, Senior Academic Administrators’ Forum, and the Quality Assessment Audit Committee. Dr. Hay serves as a faculty member of the Leadership Institute for Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Reporting to the President, the Provost and Vice President Academic plays an integral role by providing leadership within the College community in the setting and achievement of the Strategic Plan and academic priorities of the College.
The Provost and Vice President Academic office oversees the administration of all educational programs, actively encouraging excellence in a learner centered approach to teaching. As Chair of the Deans Forum, the Provost and Vice President Academic leads an effective academic and administrative decision-making process.
The Provost and Vice President Academic office is accountable for the development of successful outcomes with respect to the objectives of the Okanagan College Long-term Education Plan.
The Provost and Vice President Academic office provides administrative support for the Extended Study Leave, Professional Allowance and Grants-in-Aid funds provided to Okanagan College faculty members.
Portfolio
Contacts
Vice President Employee and Corporate Services
Curtis Morcom
A Chartered Professional Accountant, graduated from OUC’s Bachelor of Business Administration with honours the year before OUC transformed to become Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan (2005). Prior to coming to the College, has been Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer at UBC Okanagan and also recently served as a member of the UBC Board of Governors. He has more than 20 years of senior management experience across a range of industries including, education, health, professional services, leasing and land development. At 21 years of age, Curtis was the youngest person to be awarded a franchise agreement of a leading national retailer. By the age of 25, he oversaw operations of 26 retail locations throughout Manitoba. Curtis has also obtained a Chartered Director (C.Dir) designation through McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada.
The office of the Vice President Employee and Corporate Services is Okanagan College’s Chief Financial Officer. The office is responsible for Okanagan College’s Facilities and Business Services, Financial Services, Human Resources, and IT Services.
In addition, the Office of the Vice President Employee and Corporate Services acts as a liaison between students, faculty, community and the provincial government.
Portfolio
Contacts
Vice President Students
Meri Kim Oliver
Meri Kim Oliver has an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Theological Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University. Meri Kim has worked in the post-secondary sector for over 25 years, enjoying positions at University of Calgary, Trent University, Dalhousie University, and Durham College before coming to Okanagan College in August of 2020. The focus of her efforts has always been supporting student life, health, and academic outcomes. She has served on institutional, provincial, and national teams dedicated to the development of policies and practices that improve post-secondary standards, accessibility services, sexual violence prevention, strategic enrolment management practices, and student success. Meri Kim joined Okanagan College in August of 2020, bringing a wealth of experience supporting students and the institutions she serves. She is a published author and co-author of several works focused on student development, including Wellness as Raising Consciousness for Student Development and The Ethics of Access.
The office of the Vice President Students is responsible for the delivery of student services and supports on all Okanagan College campuses. The Vice President Students is a key conduit for communication with the Okanagan College Student Union and the Vernon Student Association Okanagan College. The Vice President’s portfolio includes the operations of the Regional Dean’s offices, International Education, Library Services, Learning and Success Centres, Indigenous Student Services, Financial Aid and Awards, Accessibility Services, Student Graduate and Co-Op Employment, Counselling Services, Education Advising, Athletics Recreation and Student Life, and Wellness.
Portfolio
Contacts
Associate Vice President, People Services
Gillian Henderson
Gillian Henderson is a certified human resource professional, has a bachelor of arts (Hons) in social science from Manchester Polytechnic, a diploma in personnel management from Suffolk College and has a masters of science in human resource management through Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh. She has over 25 years of experience working in leadership roles focused on human resources, change management and organizational development in the public sector. Much of her career has been spent in healthcare environments in both Canada and the UK. Since June 2014 she has been working in leadership roles in the post secondary sector, and prior to joining Okanagan College in August 2021 she was the Executive Director, Human Resources at UBC Okanagan.
Contacts
Associate Vice President, College Relations
Jenn Goodwin
Jenn Goodwin is a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years of experience in media and public relations. She started her career as a broadcast journalist in Northern British Columbia, the Yukon and Ontario before transitioning to the public sector. Since 2007, Jenn has led public relations and community engagement for large organizations in the health sector, most recently at Interior Health, where she served as vice president of communications. She holds a Master’s in Environment and Business from the University of Waterloo, and a Bachelor of Journalism and Political Science/Français from Carleton University, and is an Accredited Public Relations professional through the Canadian Public Relations Society.
Portfolio
Contacts
Jenn Goodwin
Associate Vice-President, College Relations
Email: jgoodwin@okanagan.bc.ca
Campus: Kelowna
Michelle Lowry
Executive Assistant
Email: mlowry@okanagan.bc.ca
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-862-5473 ext. 4649