Kwantlen Polytechnic University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, fiscal management, academic governance, and institutional leadership.

Committed to transforming education into real-world applications, Kwantlen Polytechnic University fosters an inclusive environment by preparing the next generation of professionals through hands-on learning and diverse academic programs.

Leadership Roles at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gerry Kilcup
  • Chief Financial Officer - Chervahun Emilien
  • Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) - Carole Laplante
  • President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor - Diane Purvey
  • President & Vice Chancellor - Alan Davis
  • Gerry Kilcup - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gerry Kilcup, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the integration of over 140 academic programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between curriculum development and evolving industry demands. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships across the five campuses to maintain high standards of educational excellence. By championing hands-on learning initiatives like co-ops and internships, Gerry Kilcup directly impacts the career readiness of the student body. The President & Chief Executive Officer also collaborates with the Board to secure long-term institutional growth and financial sustainability. Through rigorous oversight of academic and administrative operations, Kilcup drives the university toward its mission of providing practical, career-focused education for a diverse range of students, including international and Indigenous populations, while maintaining a strong competitive position within the Canadian higher education landscape.

    Chervahun Emilien - Chief Financial Officer

    Chervahun Emilien, the Chief Financial Officer at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire institution. Overseeing the budgeting process for five campuses, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets support the university's commitment to hands-on learning and internship programs. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from diverse student populations to optimize operational efficiency. By implementing robust financial controls, Chervahun Emilien directly impacts the university's ability to invest in modern facilities and academic resources. The Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with other executive leaders to align departmental spending with the broader institutional mission of career-ready education. Through strategic financial planning and risk management, Emilien secures the necessary capital to sustain long-term growth. This role remains vital for maintaining the fiscal integrity required to support the diverse needs of future, current, and international students across the regional market.

    Carole Laplante - Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM)

    Carole Laplante, the Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, executes temporary fiscal oversight and manages immediate budgetary requirements. Overseeing the transition of financial reporting systems, the Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) ensures continuity in the funding of practicums and co-op programs. This leadership role involves monitoring cash flow across all five campuses to maintain operational stability during the interim period. By streamlining procurement processes and auditing departmental expenditures, Carole Laplante directly impacts the efficiency of the university's financial operations. The Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) also provides critical data to the executive team to support informed decision-making regarding resource distribution. Through diligent management of financial accounts, Laplante preserves the institution's capacity to deliver high-quality, career-focused education. This role focuses on stabilizing fiscal performance while supporting the ongoing mission of preparing students for professional success in a competitive global economy.

    Diane Purvey - President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor

    Diane Purvey, the President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, governs academic standards and institutional policy during the interim term. Overseeing the development of curriculum frameworks, the President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor ensures that academic offerings remain aligned with the university's focus on hands-on learning and industry experience. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between faculty and the administration to foster an inclusive educational environment. By promoting the integration of internships and practicums into the student experience, Diane Purvey directly impacts the quality of professional preparation provided to the diverse student body. The President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor also represents the university in academic forums to enhance the institution's reputation for excellence. Through the coordination of academic governance, Purvey maintains the integrity of the university's mission. This role drives the continuous improvement of educational outcomes while ensuring that all programs meet the needs of future and current students.

    Alan Davis - President & Vice Chancellor

    Alan Davis, the President & Vice Chancellor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, leads the academic mission and institutional culture. Overseeing the strategic expansion of programs across five campuses, the President & Vice Chancellor ensures that the university remains a leader in career-ready education. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance co-op and internship opportunities for students. By championing the university's commitment to inclusive and supportive learning, Alan Davis directly impacts the success of international and Indigenous students. The President & Vice Chancellor also collaborates with the Board to define the long-term trajectory of the institution, ensuring that academic goals align with real-world applications. Through the promotion of hands-on learning, Davis drives the university's reputation for producing highly skilled professionals. This role remains central to the university's ability to transform education into tangible career outcomes, ensuring that the institution continues to serve the diverse needs of the regional community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kwantlen Polytechnic University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kwantlen Polytechnic University?
    Kwantlen Polytechnic University is led by Gerry Kilcup (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Chervahun Emilien (Chief Financial Officer) and Carole Laplante (Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM)).
    Who is part of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kwantlen Polytechnic University includes leaders such as Gerry Kilcup (President & Chief Executive Officer), Chervahun Emilien (Chief Financial Officer), Carole Laplante (Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kwantlen Polytechnic University have?
    Kwantlen Polytechnic University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kwantlen Polytechnic University includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM), President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor, President & Vice Chancellor.