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South Asian Studies Scholar Awarded Chancellor's Chair Award
METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (May 10, 2011) – Kamala Nayar became KPU's second ever recipient of the Chancellor's Chair, an award that recognizes a highly industrious faculty member whose research and peer network have significantly heightened the university's profile and reputation.
"Kamala Nayar's academic contributions are reflective of the high calibre of scholarship at KPU," says chancellor Arvinder Bubber. "Her work exploring the culture and religion of South Asians in India as well as right here in Vancouver is world class. We're proud to have such an impressive scholar working closely with our students."
Nayar has had a varied and successful career. Born in Montreal, she earned a Ph.D. in South Asian religions from McGill University in 1999. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, University of Victoria and has taught South Asian related courses at McGill University and Simon Fraser University. In 2006, she became a faculty member at KPU. The University will launch a BA Major in Asian Studies in September, 2011.
Over her career she has published three books and several scholarly articles and book chapters. She is currently conducting a major research project funded by Social Science and Humanities Research Council on the Punjabis of British Columbia.
"In addition to her extensive work exploring South Asian religion, Kamala's work has also made her an expert in Canadian Ethnic Studies and South Asian Diaspora studies," says Robert Adamoski, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. "The breadth and quality of her work exemplifies the high level of scholarship in our Faculty."
The KPU Chancellor's Chair is designed to provide multi-year support to help scholars develop research projects that will, in turn, help them to apply for major external funding grants.
KPU has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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