OC Leadership Virtual Q&A
OCSU is hosting a Virtual Q&A session with Dr. Sam Lenci, Provost and VP, Academic, James Coble, Dean of Students, and Phil Ashman, Director of Ancillary & Business Services at 10:00AM on Tuesday, October 20 via Zoom.
This is an important opportunity for students to connect directly with administration, ask questions, share their experiences, and raise any concerns or grievances they may have about their time at OC. All students are encouraged to attend to ask questions, share stories and advocate.
Why does this matter?
This Q&A session gives students the chance to voice their questions, concerns, grievances, and experiences directly to OC leadership. You can help shape OC and incite change. Are you frustrated that all your classes got moved online? Wondering about how parking will be when the new recreation facility opens, since it will also be open to the public? Do you have ideas on what OC should do to improve your experience as a student? Or maybe you’re just curious about who these people are and what they do for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your voice!
Profiles
Dr. Samantha Lenci
Provost and VP, Academic
Samantha was named Provost and Vice President, Academic in December 2023. She brings with her expertise in the design, development, implementation and measurement of complex strategies about teaching and learning.
Samantha’s educational experience started at what was then called Mount Royal College (now University), where she earned a diploma in Early Childhood Education in 1991. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Community Rehabilitation from the University of Calgary in 1995, and returned there for her Master of Education degree, where she specialized in Diversity, Adult Education and Workplace Learning. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from U of C, where she has specialized in Professional Skill based education, in Higher Education Leadership.
Samantha has spent more than 20 years leading a variety of programs in education that provided leadership, community development, strategic planning, project management and program development during stints at Mount Royal University, Bow Valley College, SAIT, and Lethbridge Polytechnic. Most recently, she has worked as Provost at Lethbridge Polytechnic. In her new position, she looks forward to supporting and building upon the college’s teaching and learning strengths and working closely with all members of the community to realize the college’s strategic goals.
James Coble
Dean of Students
As the Dean of Students, James leads the administration of Student Services for Okanagan College, serves as an advocate for students, and implements strategies and tactics to promote student success, retention, and graduation.
The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President, Academic and is the senior student services position for the College. In this key role, the Dean is the central point of contact, advocacy and resources for students on all campuses and, in collaboration with faculty, instructors and staff, supports a culture of learning and engagement for OC students’ academic and personal development.
The Dean’s institutional responsibilities include participation as a member of Leadership Council and of Provost Council.
Within Student Services the Dean supervises Counselling, Disability Access Services, Student Life and Orientation, Student Health & Wellness Services, Student Life Programs, Student Non-Academic Misconduct, and Athletics and Recreation, and is the primary liaison for the college with Student Housing and the Okanagan College Students’ Union and the Vernon Students’ Association - Okanagan College.
Being a multi-campus institution, the Dean is responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with the Community Engagement & Careers to ensure all Student Services are effective in each Region.
Phil Ashman
Director of Ancillary & Business Services
Phil Ashman is currently the Director of Ancillary & Business Services, responsible for overseeing sustainable business services to Okanagan College Campuses that include Occupation Heath & Safety Services, Campus Stores, Central Stores, Security & Emergency Services, Parking Services, Food Services, and Printing Services.
Over the past 25 years at Okanagan College he has had the privilege of serving as Regional Dean for the Central Okanagan, Associate Dean of Science, Technology, Health & Social Development, as well a Department Chair and Professor in the Network and Telecommunications Engineering Program.