College of the Rockies has named Dr. Meagan LaRivière as its new dean of health and human services.
LaRivière brings more than 20 years of experience in health care, post-secondary teaching and academic leadership in Canada and internationally.
She started her career as a registered nurse and has held several leadership positions, including associate dean and associate professor at the University of Calgary’s campus in Qatar and vice-dean of health studies at NorQuest College in Edmonton.
Her career later shifted from hands-on health care and teaching to leadership roles focused on health professions education, clinical simulation, research, innovation, intercultural learning, curriculum quality and the relationship between education, professional practice and community impact.
LaRivière holds a doctor of education in educational research and post-secondary leadership from the University of Calgary and a master of arts in learning and technology from Royal Roads University.
College of the Rockies President and CEO Michael Crowe said LaRivière’s experience and commitment to health education make her an important addition to the college’s leadership team.
Crowe said it is an honour to have LaRivière join the college at a time of constant growth and innovation in health and human services education.
“Meagan’s depth of experience, commitment to student success, and passion for health education make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Crowe.
“Her expertise in academic quality, community partnerships, and innovative program development will strengthen our ability to prepare graduates who can meet the evolving needs of our communities.”
LaRivière said her focus as the new dean will be supporting students and faculty.
“Well, I really support the students first and foremost. They’re at the heart of everything I do. I really champion their success and growth in their careers and just fulfilling their dreams, that’s the most important thing to me,” said LaRivière.
“What’s important to me are the faculty and just making sure that they are also living their dreams. I want them to see themselves grow and flourish as professionals, specialists and leaders in their field. So those are the things I champion, and by championing those things I feel that they are also championing the dreams of the students.”
She said she looks forward to working with students, staff and community partners across the region.
“I am excited to join College of the Rockies and become part of such a vibrant learning community,” she said.
“Health education is fundamentally about people, and I look forward to working alongside students, faculty, staff, and community partners to create learning opportunities that contribute to the health and well-being of the region.”
LaRivière had long hoped to work at College of the Rockies.
“I’ve always known about College of the Rockies. It’s always been on my radar to come here and work here actually. I’ve known people who have worked here before in faculty roles and in leadership roles as well and just recently I worked with someone at NorQuest College in Edmonton, who spoke so highly of it here and it’s just such a positive culture so I’ve just always been on my radar,” she said.
She added she’s excited to be part of a team so welcome to new ideas and likes what she has seen in the operations so far.
“Well, I do love what I’m seeing so far and Michael is a very innovative person and he really welcomes new ideas which I love,” said LaRivière.
“I’m hoping to see some of the faculty come forward with some really innovative ideas and great ways to deliver our education programs and I’m also hoping to look at new pathways for students to bridge from programs, one to the other or just build their educational pathway.”
With students now starting to return to campus, LaRivière said her first few weeks will focus on getting to know students and faculty.
“This week a little bit they’re trickling in, but the flood will be next week,” said LaRivière. “For me, it’ll be visiting students and faculty returning and it’ll really be about ramping up getting to know people and meeting the students. I’m just so excited to meet the students.”
LaRivière recently relocated to Cranbrook and said she is looking forward to exploring the region’s mountains, lakes and communities and embracing its outdoor lifestyle.
“It’s been a very big adjustment but very positive. It’s just beautiful here. It’s like an outdoor playground everywhere I look,” she said.
“I love the outdoor lifestyle for sure. I have a dog, so I like to get him out and there’s some great paths and hiking trails around here that we’ve already enjoyed.”
LaRivière began her role Aug. 1 and said she is excited to be part of the East Kootenay community.
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