It’s 1999. Everyone is fretting over the potential Y2K bug, people are talking to themselves on newfangled Bluetooth wireless headsets and on Aug. 30, KPU hires Preet Nagra as a chemistry lab instructor.
Fast-forward to today and Nagra is set to receive her 25-year Long Service Award at KPU Day on May 2.
KPU Day is an annual celebration of the university’s employees and community. Part of the celebration is the presentation of Long Service Awards for employees who have been with KPU for at least 10 years. Nagra will be among more than 150 others who will receive awards and recognition for their work at KPU this year.
“Things certainly have changed from when I first joined," says Nagra. "The buildings have been modernized, demographics have shifted, and new hires have brought changes in their teaching styles. Equipment has been modernized, there is online delivery of classes now, and computers have been integrated into our lab programming. But even today no phones are allowed in the labs.”
Despite keeping pace with technology, the chemistry labs in the Fir building at KPU Surrey haven’t moved. Nagra has become a familiar presence in the labs, where she’s been practising and perfecting her pedagogical craft over the last two-and-a-half decades.
“When I joined KPU I learned from my peers who guided me as an instructor and over the years I’ve tried to adjust to the different teaching styles that other faculty have brought with them,” Nagra explains. “But once students are in the lab I want them to get the hands-on experience they need to learn properly.”
Nagra makes sure her students don't just get their hands dirty, figuratively speaking, but also that they're doing it the right way.
“We mark students based on their technique in the lab, both how they do the procedures and the quality of the data they collect. Everything they do in the lab counts towards their grade, and that way we can ensure they’re putting the effort in to learn and not just filling time in the lab.”
When Nagra began her work at KPU, her peers set the quality bar for instruction quite high, and she’s held herself to those standards ever since.
“Claude Lassigne, now retired from the chemistry department, is a remarkable educator who left a lasting impact on me through his clarity, focus, and ability to stay on topic,” Nagra reflects. “His teaching style set a standard of excellence that many admired, and his contributions to the department remain cherished. It's inspiring to see individuals like Claude who elevate the values of education.”
Despite all the changes to education styles and technology, Nagra is quick to point out that one thing that doesn’t change is the satisfaction of teaching.
“While it’s impossible to gain the approval of every student, the consistently positive feedback I’ve received from the majority assures me that I’ve fulfilled my role effectively,” says Nagra. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many former students in various workplaces, and it’s been deeply fulfilling to hear about the positive impact I’ve had on their lives.”
Nagra has not only served as a mentor in the chemistry labs but also makes sure she provides all the support that her students need to succeed.
“Beyond teaching chemistry labs, I embraced the responsibility of helping students build strong foundations for their futures, empowering them to approach life with confidence and pride,” Nagra explains.
One of the proudest moments of Nagra’s career was nominating Gurkirat Singh Nijjar for an Outstanding Alumni of the Year award for his volunteer work combating the opioid epidemic as the founder of SOUDA —Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder and Addictions Society of Canada.
Outside of the lab and off campus Nagra is also an avid volunteer in the local community. Volunteering at her children’s schools and as an executive for their minor hockey team and association gives Pretty ample opportunity to lead by example. Nagra also enjoys reading, puzzling over Sudoku, tending to her family’s new puppy and hiking with a walking club.
Despite all the time that has passed, Nagra is just as passionate about teaching now as she was when she started with KPU and is looking forward to many more years at KPU.
“I truly love my job. Being with students nourishes my well-being and uplifts my spirit. The moment I step into the lab, all distractions and disturbances fade away. I feel genuinely blessed to have this incredible opportunity to teach at KPU.”
