Louise Cowin appointed Vice President, Students

UBC’s Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Louise Cowin as the new Vice President, Students. Cowin will begin her five-year term in October 2011. Cowin has held a variety of university administrative and teaching roles, the most recent as Warden of Hart House at the University of Toronto.

In her new role as VP, Students, Cowin will have leadership responsibility for shaping the student experience and broad learning environment at UBC. Her portfolio includes student development and services, student housing and hospitality services and athletics and recreation. 

Cowin will succeed Brian Sullivan as VP, Students. Sullivan, who held the position from 1999 to 2011, stepped down in March and is now an advisor to UBC Alumni Affairs. Louise Nasmith was appointed VP, Students, pro-tem, and will continue in that role until October.

Prior to her appointment as Warden of Hart House, Cowin was the director of Student Services and the School-University Partnerships Office at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. In this role, Cowin focused on enhancing supports for students, diversifying co-curricular programming and on equity and diversity initiatives.

Cowin holds a PhD in Educational Studies from McGill University, a MSc in Physical Education from Dalhousie University and a BA (Hons) in Educational and Sports Studies from Borough Road Physical Education College. She has held tenure-streamed positions at Queen’s University and Dalhousie University and taught as an instructor at UBC, Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto. Cowin was also the associate director of a fine and performing arts camp and the director of a non-profit camp for children who have had open heart surgery or transplants.