KPU Board of Governors welcomes five new members

Tue, Sep 19, 2023

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) announces the appointment of five new members to its Board of Governors. 

“We’re pleased to welcome these members to the KPU Board of Governors as they’ve made significant contributions in their communities and in the areas of law, art, education and more. We thank them for their time and commitment to KPU,” says Ivy Chen, chair of the KPU Board of Governors. 

The five new members include KPU alumni and instructors along with members of the community. The board consists of eight appointed members, two elected faculty, one professional member, two students and KPU’s president and chancellor. 

Lyndsay Passmore is a Melville School of Business instructor who has been at KPU for the past 15 years. She has held multiple committee chair roles at KPU, including chairing the business faculty through the transition online during COVID-19 and a major program revision focused on leadership in equity, diversity and inclusion.

“I am passionate about accessible and equitable public education. Through my appointment to the Board of Governors, I am looking forward to contributing to discussions and decisions that will further position KPU and its students for success.”

KPU alumna Amanda Nadine Smith-Weston is a gallery curator and office administrator of the Arts Council of Surrey. She graduated from with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and is also a board director with the KPU Alumni Association. 

"I am honoured to have been appointed to the Board of Governors. KPU has been such a big part of my life and I am looking forward to working with this fantastic team to continue to govern in the best interest of KPU and the province of British Columbia,” says Smith-Weston.

With extensive experience in real estate legal transfers, Paul Choi is a successful arbitrator and mediator who has worked with Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and was selected to sit on the adjudication board for the City of Vancouver’s Empty Home Tax.

“KPU's legacy is etched in countless success stories. Having lived beside one of the KPU campuses for many years, I feel especially connected to KPU I am thrilled to join the Board of Governors to pen the next chapter, where ambition meets opportunity, and innovation is a daily pursuit,” says Choi.

Rodney John Ross was previously a business educator at Chilliwack and Sardis school districts before becoming a teacher on call at the Chilliwack and Mission school districts. Active in his community, he was the founder and board member at Langley School District Foundation, trustee and chair at Langley School Board, and board member at New Hope Housing Society. 

“I look forward to serving the KPU community as we pursue world-class teaching and learning. Each of us have chosen to be here so let’s be the absolute best we can be,” says Ross.  

Two KPU students also sit on the board including newly elected student Aryan Kalia and re-elected student Ishant Goyal.

Learn more about KPU’s Board of Governors.

 

Board of Governors Appointments September 2023