For immediate release

Kwantlen Polytechnic University Appoints Acting President, Dr. John McKendry

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (July 4, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John McKendry as Acting President. Dr. McKendry takes over after the resignation of Dr. David Atkinson, as he returns to his hometown accepting the role of President at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton.

Dr. McKendry brings to Kwantlen, a career in higher education that spans more than 35 years.

Following experiences in the private corporate sector, Dr. McKendry obtained a BA with Honours and an MSc from the University of Guelph followed by a PhD from Florida State University. He has served in senior and executive positions in several jurisdictions in Canada and the USA. He was the Director of Policy, Planning, Research and Legislation and, subsequently, Assistant Deputy Minister of Universities with the Government of Saskatchewan. He served both as a college Dean and Vice President Academic.

Dr. McKendry’s international experience extends to the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and includes award-winning bilateral program alliances and work with organizations like the World Bank, CIDA and the Asian Development Bank. He has served as an appointed representative of the Canadian Secretary of State to the Parliament of Europe, Secretariat for Science and Education and also represented DFAIT in promoting Canadian higher education internationally.

Following the September 2008 re-designation of Kwantlen University College as Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Dr. McKendry left Simon Fraser University and accepted an appointment to Kwantlen as a Special Advisor to the President for the purpose of revitalizing Kwantlen’s Langley Campus. In 2010, he assumed the position of Provost and Vice President Academic at Kwantlen.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca