VIU Welcomes New Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is pleased to announce Irlanda Price has accepted the role of Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs. As the chief student affairs officer for the University, Price will hold responsibility for managing programs and services that enhance student health and wellness to support student engagement, retention and success. She will have oversight of Student Services, Student Engagement and Athletics and Recreation.

Price most recently served as Associate Vice-President of Student Development at Medicine Hat College in Medicine Hat, Alberta. In this role, she was responsible for developing the campus life experience and creating a positive learning environment for students. Prior to this appointment, Price worked at Coast Mountain College (formerly Northwest Community College) in Terrace and Kitimat/Kitamaat where her roles included Educational Advisor, Campus Manager and Manager of Student Development.

A trained social worker, Price has led several major campus initiatives resulting in improved access for under-represented and diverse groups. These initiatives include a Strategic Enrolment Management plan, the creation of the Indigenous Student Support Centre and establishing several bursaries to increase student retention.

Price is a regular conference presenter and author, using her expertise to address the subjects of strategic enrolment management, approaches to internationalization and reviewing institutional policies and process via an 2SLGBTQ+ safety lens. She is an experienced Chamber of Commerce Director, a past director with the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, an executive committee member for 100 Women Who Care and a faculty mentor for “Women Honouring Other Women” an appreciative leadership gathering for women leaders in academia.

Price received her Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Rural, Remote Leadership and her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia.  Reporting to VIU’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, Price will work towards cultivating and coordinating institutional structures and programs to ensure VIU delivers an exceptional student experience where all students can realize their full potential.

Irlanda Price brings a strong passion for education, partnerships, community development and diversification to her new role with VIU.