PFM Executive Search Attracts Progressive Student Affairs Leader to Vancouver Island University
PFM Executive Search is pleased to welcome Irlanda Price to Vancouver Island University (VIU) in the capacity of Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs. As the chief student affairs officer for the University, Irlanda holds responsibility for managing programs and services that enhance student health and wellness to support student engagement, retention and success. She has oversight of Student Services, Student Engagement and Athletics and Recreation.
Irlanda 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, she 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, Irlanda 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.
Irlanda 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 a LGBTQ2S+ 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.
Irlanda 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, Irlanda will cultivate and coordinate institutional structures and programs to ensure VIU delivers an exceptional student experience where all students can realize their full potential.
Irlanda brings a strong passion for education, partnerships, community development and diversification to her new role. PFM Executive Search conducted a national recruitment for the role of AVP Student Affairs at VIU.
PFM Executive Search is recognized as a national leader in recruiting senior officials to progressive post-secondary institutions. Our firm is known for creating an inclusive and transparent facilitation procedure with stakeholders and partner groups, ensuring a fair and open selection process that brings forward a diverse slate of qualified candidates for senior academic and non-academic roles.