Camosun welcomes new Dean in School of Trades and Technology
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Eric Sehn, new dean of the School of Trades and Tech.
March 28, 2011
Along with his most recent career change, Eric Sehn will be adjusting to a different lifestyle, as he trades Fort St. John, where overnight temperatures can drop well below -30, for Victoria, just in time for the annual flower count.
On February 28, Eric Sehn joined Camosun as the new dean of trades and technology. Although new to Camosun, Sehn is no stranger to the responsibilities that accompany the role of dean. After 13 years at Northern Lights College, Sehn brings a wealth of experience to Camosun, including campus principal and dean of academic and career technical programs. He holds a Masters of Education with a specialization in adult, community and higher learning (distance delivery) from the University of Calgary.
A good match
Asked why he applied for the Camosun position, Sehn immediately cited Camosun's reputation within the BC post-secondary system. "Camosun's student-centred approach to learning matches my own educational values. We are all here to support programs that provide students with the best experience possible."
"I plan to listen and learn," says Sehn, describing his leadership style as collaborative. "Camosun is the province's second largest provider of education in trades and technology, with a reputation for teaching excellence. Collectively, our instructors have amazing content expertise and my goal is to support them as facilitators of that knowledge."
Sehn has ideas on how that support might play out, including the expanded use of technology to augment face-to-face delivery. "Camosun has had success in this area already, including the e-pprentice program being created and piloted through the culinary arts department. This is ground-breaking work, the first of its kind in BC, and it positions Camosun well as an innovative leader in education."
With less than a month under his belt, Sehn is enjoying his first impressions of Camosun. "The people I've met so far have been inviting, friendly and enthusiastic. I feel very comfortable already."
Looking forward to west coast living
While their house is on the market, Sehn's family is staying in Fort St. John. In the meantime Sehn is putting in extra travel back and forth to be with his wife, Laura and their two children, Naomi and Mateo. "Naomi is nine and Mateo is just five, so it's a pretty good time to relocate."
Born in northern Alberta, Sehn is excited about life on the coast. As an avid outdoorsman, he's looking forward to hiking and exploring local parks, and hopes to take up sea kayaking. Music is also an important part of his life. "Once I finished my master's degree, Laura bought me guitar lessons to fill some of my new-found extra time. I just love playing, and I've since added three more guitars to my collection." Sehn's musical taste tends toward heavy metal. "Laura also bought me a set of head phones," laughed Sehn. "I'm not sure what she's trying to tell me!
Last updated: March 30, 2011 10:00 am
