A leader in post-secondary education known for deepening connections with industry and community will receive an honorary degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) today.
Kathy Kinloch, a former B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT) president who devoted her career to public service through leadership positions in health, government and post-secondary education, will receive an honorary doctorate of laws during convocation ceremonies at KPU Surrey Feb. 13.
“Kathy Kinloch has led an extraordinary career, earning herself a reputation for transformational leadership in support of the betterment of society, clearly demonstrated through her time in health care and higher education,” says Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president and vice-chancellor.
Kinloch, who served as president of BCIT from 2014 until her retirement in 2022, says she is grateful to KPU for the recognition.
“KPU has a very important place in the post-secondary system. I’m pleased to see how strongly the institution is functioning and where it’s headed, along with the success of its many graduates,” she says.
Kinloch began her career as a trained nurse and ascended through the health sector to become the chief operating officer of Fraser Health. She later served as senior advisor for the B.C. Ministry of Health, working to establish the UBC Hospital Centre for Surgical Innovation.
In 2007 Kinloch became dean of health sciences at BCIT. In 2010 she became president of Vancouver Community College before taking the reins at BCIT in 2014.
It was in health care that Kinloch’s path to leadership in higher education began. Her first job out of nursing school was assisting with open heart surgeries, a position that came with a significant learning curve, and an opportunity to consider how graduates could be better prepared.
“I had to climb up to the skill level of my co-workers. It really was helpful and I had a wonderful team around me.”
Soon she was asked to teach and develop curriculum at University of Alberta and, when she moved to B.C., at the University of British Columbia.
“I was probably as young as the people I was teaching, and I quite enjoyed it. I learned so much,” she says. “It was an opportunity and an honour to teach these students and see them move forward and progress so well in their careers.”
Throughout her career in post-secondary education, Kinloch has been devoted to student success. Her most recent notable career accomplishment was successfully advocating and receiving government funding for a $163-million Trades and Technology Complex at BCIT’s Burnaby campus.
Kinloch holds a diploma in nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing with distinction from the University of Alberta, a master of arts in leadership and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Royal Roads University. She has also received an honorary doctor of laws from Royal Roads University.
Numerous recognitions have come Kinloch’s way, including a Women of Distinction award from YWCA Metro Vancouver and an Order of B.C. appointment in 2022.
Kinloch says she’s always enjoyed learning, and encourages graduates to never stop.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out and seek assistance and learn from others. Get to know leaders. Don’t be afraid to make a cold call. Always strive for new opportunities. Don’t get stuck in one area unless you really love it – particularly early in your career.”