Board of Governors Representative - Students (Elected by Acclamation)
Ben Harris
Hi everyone! My name is Ben Harris, and I’m a third-year business student majoring in management and minoring in communications. I’m running for re-election to the Board of Governors after having the privilege of representing you this past year. We've made incredible progress, and I’d love the opportunity to continue working with you to make 91̽»¨ an even better place.
91̽»¨'s campuses are expanding, however, these developments bring challenges. This includes a significant reduction in parking spaces, making it increasingly difficult for students to find parking. We need strong policies to address these issues and ensure practical solutions that work for students. Beyond my role on the Board of Governors, I previously served as the Federation Representative with the 91̽»¨ Students' Union, where I championed fairness for international students, advocated for affordable textbooks, and pushed for greater accessibility in education. In this time of uncertainty for post-secondary students, I am committed to guiding the college through challenges, advocating for student well-being, and being a steady voice of reason. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue serving you and making a difference at 91̽»¨. Thank you for your continued support!
Desiree Swallow
I’m a proud Indigenous (Métis/Cree), alum, and current BBA Finance student at 91̽»¨. I completed my Business Administration Diploma (Accounting, with Distinction) in 2015 and returned almost a decade later to finish my degree. This journey gives me a unique, lived perspective on the evolving needs of students across all life stages.
Since earning my diploma, I’ve gained experience in accounting, entrepreneurship, project management, real estate, and customer-focused operations. I currently serve as a tax preparer, shift supervisor, and scheduling coordinator with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and will return to support Habitat for Humanity’s fundraising efforts this summer. These roles have strengthened my communication, strategic thinking, and process improvement skills, and reflect my passion for financial accessibility, equity, and community impact. As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent person, I’ve developed resilience, creativity, and adaptability. I value empathy, excellence, grit, flexibility, compassion, and teamwork. I will bring these qualities to the Board of Governors to ensure all student voices are truly represented. I’m running to bring lived experience into the spaces where decisions are made. I’m committed to help create meaningful, lasting change. If elected, I’ll listen closely, advocate boldly, and help build a future where every student can thrive.
Education Council Representative - Students (Elected by Acclamation)
Shirelle Nickoli
North Okanagan (Vernon)
Hello, I'm Shirelle Nickoli and I am passionate about helping 91̽»¨ reach its goals of inclusivity, diversity, and equity to promote a healthy and safe space for students to learn and further their education with 91̽»¨. I am part of Vernon's Student Association as VP of Education and students feel their voices are heard when they come to me.
I would be happy to have the opportunity to contribute all the skills I have to this dynamic team. Thank you.
Sarasvaty Delgado Soto
South Okanagan Similkameen (Penticton)
Hello ! My name is Sarasvaty I'm from Ecuador and I'm a second year student in the kinesiology program, I'm a very active and social person who cares about others I'm friendly and open to any plan or idea.
I'm a very active and social person who cares about others I'm friendly and open to any plan or idea.
Education Council Election - Faculty
Education Council - Faculty (1 Position Available)
Term: August 1 2025- July 31 2027
- Faculty South Okanagan-Similkameen (1) - Vacant. The timeline for this position has been extended.
| Nomination Period | Candidate Names Published | Campaign Period | Election Dates | Announcement of Results | Appeal Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1 – April 28, 2025 | April 29, 2025 | April 29 – May 15, 2025 | May 16 – 25, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | May 29, 2025 |
Note: Regarding the Faculty Any Region (1), The election will proceed according to the original schedule.
To submit your application:
- Gather all supporting documents
- Download and complete three nomination forms
- Attach completed forms to the online application as part of step 3
- Submit an (form is open during the nomination period, see election schedule)
Education Council Representative - Faculty (Elected by Acclamation)
Bryan White
Faculty Shuswap Revelstoke
Hello college faculty/staff! I am a faculty member in the Biology department, and have been with the college for 11 years. For most of that time I have been a continuing faculty member based in Salmon Arm, but I have taught on every campus except Penticton. I am running for election into the Salmon Arm EDCO position that I currently fill, after having taken over the last 6 months of a member on leave. I have definitely learned a lot about the functioning of EDCO over the past 6 months that would facilitate a quick transition to a full 2 year term. Being a well informed, vocal, and highly involved person, I would be an asset to the EDCO committee. I would advocate for the Salmon Arm Campus, as well as the college as a whole.
Leanne Mallory
Faculty North Okanagan
My name is Leanne Mallory and I am seeking nomination to Education Council as the North Okanagan representative. I began teaching in the Anthropology Department at OUC in 2002 and at 91̽»¨ in 2005. I have served four terms as Anthropology Department Chair since 2011, one term on Education Council as the Arts faculty representative from 2010-2015, and two terms as the North Okanagan faculty representative from 2021-2025. Having developed new courses and revised older ones, I am familiar with curriculum development and the administrative processes involved in moving it from the department to Education Council levels.
Education Council Representative Faculty - (Any Region) Candidates
Claude Hurtubise
It is a privilege to be nominated for a seat on Education Council. I have worked at 91̽»¨ for 19 years in the department of Mathematics and Statistics and have never taken part in college-wide committees. However, I feel it's time to give back and be part of the College's educational process. In recent years, I have been actively involved with department members in developing the Post Bachelor's Programs in Data Science and have learned a lot about course and program development. I am excited to get involved and learn more about the decision process and planning of future programs and help 91̽»¨ navigate the challenging years ahead. I hope you consider me for a member of Education Council, Claude Hurtubise
Youry Khmelevsky
I am an experienced educator and researcher committed to enhancing student success and academic excellence at 91̽»¨. As a Computer Science instructor, I bring over thirty years of experience in post-secondary teaching, curriculum development, and applied research in data systems, software engineering, and health informatics. I have led numerous industry-focused and grant-funded projects that bridge academic knowledge with real-world impact. I am passionate about fostering collaborative, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments. My work has supported interdisciplinary program development and helped align educational offerings with emerging labour market needs. As a member of the Education Council, I will advocate for thoughtful, evidence-based curriculum planning and policies that support diverse learners and faculty. I believe in transparent governance, collegial collaboration, and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning. I am also actively engaged in service beyond the classroom, including editorial and leadership roles in national and international professional organizations. I would be honoured to contribute my experience and energy to the Council, helping to shape academic direction and uphold 91̽»¨'s high standards. Thank you for your consideration.
Information Regarding Elections and Campaigns
Elections for positions on 91̽»¨ Board of Governors and Education Council are conducted by the Registrar’s Office.
Questions may be emailed to elections@okanagan.bc.ca.
To obtain further details about the regulations governing the election, please click on the button below.
To access further details about the guidelines governing the campaign process, please click the button provided below.
Eligibility Requirements
Faculty/Instructor
Faculty/Instructor member means any faculty member or vocational instructor employed by 91̽»¨ who is a member of the 91̽»¨ Faculty Association or BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (Vocational Instructors).
Any faculty member or vocational instructor shall be deemed eligible to stand for election if they in good standing with their representative group and have an employment contract or a reasonable expectation of a contract that covers the period of the term of office.
Support staff
Support staff member means any individual employed by 91̽»¨ who is a member of BC Government and Service Employees’ Union Support Staff or covered by the Terms and Conditions for Administrators or Excluded Staff and is not in a position excluded under Appendix A.
Any support staff member shall be deemed eligible to stand for election if they in good standing with their representative group and have an employment contract or a reasonable expectation of a contract that covers the period of the term of office.
Student
Student means any person enrolled as a student at 91̽»¨ in a program approved by Education Council.
Eligibility to stand for election and to hold office.
Be deemed to be in good standing by the Registrar. Any Student is eligible be nominated to be a Student elected member with the following exception: that a Student candidate may not be employed by the College as a Support Staff, Faculty or Educational Administrator except when the employment falls under one of the following: Letter of Understanding #1 - Student Employees, Letter of Understanding #2 – Co-operative Education Students and Letter of Understanding #3 – Research Projects as part of the Collective Agreement between 91̽»¨ (Support Staff) and the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (2014-2019 and as renegotiated). Be considered a Student on the day the election is held.
Appeal committee
- The Registrar/Associate Vice President who will chair the Committee and be non-voting;
- A student (President of the 91̽»¨ Student Union or designate in odd years, the President of the Vernon Students’ Association 91̽»¨ or designate in even years);
- A representative from the Faculty/Instructor representative groups (Chair of the BCGEU (Vocational Instructors) or designate in odd years and the Chair of the 91̽»¨ Faculty Association or designate in even years); and
- A representative from Support Staff/Administrator representative groups (Chair of BCGEU Support Staff union or designate in odd years and the Chair of the Administrators Association or designate in even years).
Note: 91̽»¨FA & BCGEU Vocational and 91̽»¨SU & VSA91̽»¨ agreed to serve on alternate years.