Zena Mitchell’s connection with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) started in high school when she applied to what was then known as ‘Kwantlen College’. Now, the alumna has been named KPU’s vice president, students.
“I feel honoured, humbled and so very excited at the prospect of working with such a wonderful team of leaders,” says Mitchell. “And because I was once one of our students, I feel this is truly a full circle moment for me.”
After receiving a diploma in marketing management in 1996, Mitchell later returned to KPU as a mature student to obtain a bachelor of business administration in entrepreneurial leadership. She began her career at KPU as a marketing assistant and was most recently the associate vice president enrolment services and registrar.
“I have held many different positions over the last 23 years here at KPU,” she says. “These collective experiences and connections to KPU have provided a strong foundation for me to take on the VP Students role.”
Mitchell adds that students will always be at the core of the collective decision-making at KPU.
“I've always been actively involved in service and committee work, work that has focused on continuously improving student processes and approaches, and that has helped to shape an outlook where I always attempt to bring people together, build and align ideas and resources to create student-focused solutions and strategies.”
Mitchell says once she started working in higher education, she was convinced it was the field she wanted to dedicate her career to. For KPU students who are looking for advice on careers, she says be open to whatever may come your way.
“Building connections with faculty, with your peers, and with all the other many supports KPU has to offer is a wonderful way to discover opportunities. Having a positive attitude is also key – attitude is everything.”
The office of the vice president, students oversees the areas that provide services and support for new and continuing students, including the office of the registrar, student affairs, and KPU International. This office also acts as the university’s liaison with the Kwantlen Student Association, working closely to provide additional opportunities and services for students and our campus communities.
“This appointment is special for KPU as Zena has been a part of the KPU community for most of her career as a student and employee in various departments throughout the university,” says Dr. Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor at KPU. “Her commitment to the students is unwavering and we look forward to her work in this role.”