Dr. Alan Davis has been appointed as the new president at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Davis has studied and worked at well known institutions in the UK, United States and Canada, and has played leadership roles at the British Columbia Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College and Vancouver Community College.
Most recently, Davis held the position of President at State University of New York, Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Davis has extensive teaching experience at colleges and universities across Western Canada, including Athabasca University, Vancouver Community College, Douglas College and Fraser Valley College.
He will take his post at Kwantlen on Sept. 1. He succeeds John McKendry, who has served as interim president since last July when past-president David Atkinson resigned.
A native of Reading, England, Davis has lived in North America since 1972, and spent the majority of these years in B.C. He earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science in Chemistry from Simon Fraser University, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with honours, from the University of London. Davis’ formal education combined with practical experience exemplifies everything Kwantlen stands for.
He has devoted his career to higher education and is passionate about education and the success of students. He has held a direct connection with the student experience in a variety of past leadership roles and consistently worked to ensure his institutions score very high on student satisfaction surveys.
“Coming back home to B.C. to lead Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a dream come true,” says Davis. “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.”
In addition to his academic contributions through publications and presentations, Davis is a published playwright who has worked extensively in community theater. He is married with four children.
Kwantlen has campuses in Surrey, Langley and Richmond.