I am honoured to accept the role as Interim President, while the search for BCIT’s next president continues.
Firstly, I would like to thank Kathy Kinloch for her vision, leadership, and commitment to BCIT throughout her tenure. Thanks to her efforts and those of our community, BCIT continues to evolve as a remarkable educational Institute unlike few others in our nation today.
As a provincial leader with a mandate for strategic workforce development, we are tasked with delivering education that is accessible and affordable for all, and to ensure that British Columbia has a diverse, skilled, and strategic workforce that powers our economy.
We also play a critical role in solving the most important issues of our day, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, finding new ways to live sustainably in the face of a changing climate, and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at BCIT and in the sectors, industries, and communities we serve.
As we set our sights on the coming academic year, I am committed to advancing the priorities of our 2019-2023 Strategic Plan and ensuring that our Institute continues to evolve to meet the needs of those who depend on us. During this time of transition, I hope to provide stability and foster a collaborative environment by drawing on the strengths of our leadership team, our academic leaders, and the expertise of faculty and staff from across our community to deliver transformational applied education and research.
I have tremendous respect for the work each of you do, and I believe in bringing diverse people and perspectives together for listening, thinking, and collaboration that puts our values into meaningful action. I will endeavour to provide engaged and transparent leadership toward this end.
Over the summer, I will be working with the senior team and meeting with members across our community to seek out the important perspectives of our many passionate faculty, staff, and students.
It is my sincere hope that over the remainder of the summer you take time to relax, recharge, and spend time with those closest to you. As we enter a new phase of the pandemic, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and continued efforts towards community wellbeing.
I know the value of a BCIT education, because in my 16 years at the Institute I have collaborated with incredible students, dynamic faculty members, extraordinary staff, and committed alumni who continually testify to the impact of BCIT in their education, work, and lives.
I look forward to working with you all to continue to make BCIT a place of relevance, reach, and renewal.
Sincerely,
Paul McCullough, Interim President