Okanagan College’s Associate Vice President External and Strategic Initiatives (AVPESI) Allan Coyle marked his last Monday at the institution. Allan retired on Friday, May 7, after almost 23 years with the College.
“It would be impossible to adequately distill or sum up Allan’s contributions to the College – it would take volumes,” said OC President Dr. Neil Fassina.
“As a member of the College’s Executive and Leadership Team, Allan’s calm, measured and thoughtful approach has helped to shepherd the College through periods of unprecedented growth, development, change and even crisis. He’s been instrumental in our response to supporting employees and students through the pandemic, rock slides, regional wild fires and countless other scenarios,” adds Fassina. “From a public relations and marketing perspective, I’ve heard from so many how his expertise was vital to ensuring the College’s successful transition from OUC to OC. And his efforts – along with those of his team – have continued to build profile for the College in the region and beyond ever since. I hope you’ll join me in thanking Allan for his outstanding dedication to the institution and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement.”
In addition to serving as Director of Public Affairs prior to becoming AVPESI, Allan has stepped in as an interim VP Students, interim Regional Dean and interim Director of Student Services over the years.
Current conditions have led Allan to request that we not host a virtual retirement celebration. Instead, he plans to return to campuses to visit with colleagues in the fall or whenever vaccination and pandemic conditions will allow for it. If you would like to send retirement wishes to Allan, please send written or video messages to publicaffairs@okanagan.bc.ca.
Tyler Finley has been appointed interim Director of Public Affairs to assume many of the responsibilities that attached themselves to Allan’s portfolio. This includes media relations, public relations, marketing, communications, the alumni department and liaison with the Okanagan College Alumni Association. During the period of Tyler’s appointment, he will serve as a member of the College Executive. It is expected this position will be in place for several months and Tyler’s position (Associate Director) will be backfilled while he serves in the interim role.