When Dr. Balbir Gurm signed a one-year contract as a nursing instructor at Kwantlen College in April 1991, she probably wasn't sure how long her time here would last. Thirty-four years later, she is wrapping up an accomplished career and a lasting legacy at KPU.
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the transformation of Kwantlen —from Kwantlen College to Kwantlen University College, and now Kwantlen Polytechnic University,” Dr. Gurm says. “Over that time, I’ve been deeply involved in shaping the institution’s identity and governance. These contributions reflect my commitment to building inclusive, ethical, and forward-thinking institutions and communities that serve both students and the broader public.”
Before joining KPU, Dr. Gurm worked at several Vancouver hospitals as staff nurse, coordinator, and clinical nurse educator. In her role as a nursing instructor, Dr. Gurm has helped mentor many fellow faculty members and played an instrumental role in transitioning it from a diploma to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. As Admissions and Progressions chair of the program, she participated in program recruitment by presenting at conferences, high school career fairs and to individual classes.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been mentoring students beyond the classroom,” Dr. Gurm explains. “I’ve had the opportunity to co-design courses with students, presenting our collaborative work at places such as the International Conference for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Sydney, Australia. Those experiences empowered students to take ownership of their learning and fostered innovation in curriculum development.”
Dr. Gurm’s impact on KPU isn’t limited to the nursing faculty. Her work on various institutional committees has left a mark on the university.
“I served on the Cultural Inclusion Diversity and Action Committee, where I helped foster inclusive practices across campus and hosted KPU’s first South Asian Health Fair and the first ethnic dance and clothing celebration, both of which celebrated cultural heritage and promoted community wellness,” recalls Dr. Gurm.
Dr. Gurm played a pivotal role in shaping academic and institutional standards at KPU by helping establish policies for the university’s first Research Ethics Board and contributing to the definition of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) through the Carnegie Foundation’s Leadership Program. She also drafted the terms of reference for the Degree Assessment Committee and several other Senate committees, co-drafted faculty performance review documents that promote fairness and transparency, and contributed to the creation of KPU’s coat of arms.
Showing that her commitment to positive change doesn’t stop at the classroom door, Dr. Gurm has been involved in numerous community groups and initiatives throughout her time at KPU. Some standout examples of this are the Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR) and the ebook Making Sense of a Global Pandemic – 2nd Edition being used by several universities.
“Through NEVR, I’ve worked with nursing students on community-based research and advocacy projects,” says Dr. Gurm. “One memorable initiative involved students helping to develop resources on Men Who Suffer Abuse Toolkit. Their insights and dedication were instrumental in shaping culturally safe materials that are now used across institutions. Watching students evolve into confident advocates and scholars has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.”
Dr. Gurm is also currently contributing to the BC Data Innovation Project on Gender-Based Violence, which aims to improve provincial responses through data-driven insights, as well as serving on the BC Death Review Panel on Gender-Based Violence, helping to analyze systemic gaps and recommend policy changes to prevent future tragedies.
After leaving such a long legacy at KPU, Dr. Gurm isn’t quite ready to slow down in retirement. “My official retirement date is August 31, 2025. As I prepare for this transition, I’m focused on continuing my advocacy and community engagement work and research,” Dr. Gurm says. “I plan to remain active with NEVR, mentor emerging leaders, and research and write on topics close to my heart—such as equity, cultural safety, and violence prevention.”
Dr. Gurm is also staying involved in cultural heritage and advocacy work, currently co-chairing the Canadians of South Asian Heritages Museum and contributing to a global publication, Global Perspectives on Violence Impacting Children and Youth: Trends, Dimensions and Prospects, on relationship violence affecting youth.
With the freedom and flexibility that retirement offers, Dr. Gurm is also taking the time to get out there and explore as well.
“Last year, along with a group of friends, I hiked the Machu Picchu Classic Inca Trail,” says Dr. Gurm. “This year, I am training for the Mount Everest Base Camp Classic Trail. We hope to hike it in October 2025.”
Dr. Gurm is leaving big shoes to fill in the nursing program when the Fall 2025 semester starts, alongside a long and impactful legacy that has helped shape KPU into the institution it is today.