Kwantlen picks new president

On April 2, the board of governors announced the appointment of Alan Davis as incoming president and vice-chancellor effective Sept. 1, 2012.

Kwantlen has a new president. On April 2, the board of governors announced the appointment of Alan Davis as incoming president and vice-chancellor effective Sept. 1, 2012.

Davis has studied and worked at institutions in the U.K., United States and Canada, including the British Columbia Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College, Douglas College, Fraser Valley College and Vancouver Community College. Most recently, Davis was the president at State University of New York, Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

A native of Reading, England, Davis has been a resident of North America since 1972, and spent the majority of those years in British Columbia.

“Coming back home to B.C. to lead Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a dream come true,” said Davis in a released press statement.

“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.”

Davis is also a published playwright who has worked extensively in community theatre. He is married with four children.

Davis takes over for John McKendry who has been serving as acting president since July 2011.