College hires new dean

Okanagan Edge Staff - May 17, 2023 - People in Business

Photo: Contributed

Okanagan College has hired a new dean of science and technology.

Dr. Halia Valladares Montemayor will take over as the school’s science and tech boss on July 1. She comes to the Okanagan from Squamish’s Quest University, which ceased operations last month. Montemayor served as Quest’s academic dean and headed its bachelor of arts and sciences degree program.

“I am excited to be joining Okanagan College,” Halia said in a press release. “This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the OC mission to transform lives and communities, and to inspire and empower students, staff and the community through science and technology.”

Montemayor brings to Okanagan College a wealth of leadership and business experience. She is the managing partner at Global Trading & DS, and is the Casa Mexico Foundation’s Vancouver director and vice-president. She also spent time as a West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce board director. She holds a doctoral degree from Burgos University in Spain and a master’s from Texas A&M.

Montemayor has authored more than 20 research publications for journals, book chapters and books in multiple countries, including Mexico, Spain, Canada and U.S.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you on behalf of leadership council to Dr. Rick Federley, who has so capably been serving in the dean role for many months,” OC provost and academic vice-president Dr. Andrew Hay said. “We are looking forward to welcoming Halia to Okanagan College and having her join our exceptional team in science and technology.”


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