Kwantlen Polytechnic University's incoming President, Dr. Alan Davis

For immediate release

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Kwantlen Polytechnic University appoints Dr. Alan Davis to President

Metro Vancouver, BC – (April 2, 2012) – The Board of Governors at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Alan Davis as incoming President effective September 1, 2012.

Dr. Davis has studied and worked at well known institutions in the 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, Dr. Davis held the position of President at State University of New York, Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Dr. Davis has extensive teaching experience at colleges and universities across Western Canada, including Athabasca University, Vancouver Community College, Douglas College and Fraser Valley College.

A native of Reading, England, Dr. Davis has lived in North America since 1972, and spent the majority of these years in British Columbia. 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.

Dr. 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 BC to lead Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a dream come true," says Dr. 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 extraordinary academic contributions through publications and presentations, Dr. Davis is a published playwright who has worked extensively in community theater. He is married with four children.

Dr. Davis' innovative, transformative and ambitious vision will serve Kwantlen well as it continues to attract top students from around the world.

He succeeds John McKendry who has served as President since July 2011.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 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 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 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