The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Vail (she/her) as BCIT’s new Associate Vice President, Students.
Many in our community will already know Laura through her outstanding work with us as Senior Director, Student Success. Prior to joining BCIT, Laura contributed her passion for student wellbeing and success in progressively senior positions at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, the University of BC, and the Justice Institute of BC. Her work has been a direct reflection of her commitment to students and core belief that, with the proper supports, all students can find belonging and academic success in their post-secondary studies. BCIT students have benefited from Laura’s leadership across a variety of initiatives over her four years with us, culminating in the recently shared Student Wellbeing Action Plan which will guide us in both individual and systemic actions to improve student wellbeing.
Laura holds a Master of Education from Simon Fraser University with a concentration in Post-secondary Leadership in Student Affairs, as well a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Fraser Valley. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy through the University of BC.
With our recently launched Strategic Plan, that firmly positions students at the centre of all we do at BCIT, we are fortunate to have Laura step into this senior role, leading the Student component of the overall Provost Office Portfolio. As AVP, Students Laura will collaborate across all programs and campuses and provide strategic leadership to advance our mission to further enhance the overall student experience and ensure that BCIT’s offerings squarely align with the needs and aspirations of its diverse student body.
Congratulations, Laura!