Meet VIU's new Director of Continuing Education
For nearly three decades, Eric Sehn has helped people learn new skills, advance their careers and connect with new opportunities. As VIU’s new Director of Continuing Education, he’s looking forward to shaping the next chapter of lifelong learning across the mid-Island region. We caught up with Eric to learn more about his career, his vision for continuing education, what he loves about Vancouver Island and a unique nickname he earned in his previous role.
Tell us about you.
I have spent most of my career in post-secondary education, with a focus on continuing education, workforce development, trades, engineering, applied learning, community engagement and institutional leadership. My career began in Continuing Education at Northern Lights College in Fort Nelson in 1998. From there, I moved into a variety of leadership roles at the college, including Campus Principal and Dean. In 2011, I became Dean of Trades and Technology at Camosun College. In that role, I helped bring together continuing education activities that were previously decentralized across the institution.
What attracted you to the Director, Continuing Education role at VIU?
Working at Camosun for 13 years, I worked with many good people from VIU. So when the opportunity came up to work for the organization, I jumped at it. I was also attracted by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Continuing Education at VIU. There is already a great deal of expertise, commitment and strong programming across the institution. The opportunity is to build on those strengths, create greater coordination and make it easier for people inside and outside VIU to access the university’s expertise.
Why is continuing education so important as part of the mix in a regional university?
It is one of the most direct ways a university can respond to the changing needs of the people and communities it serves. Not everyone needs – or is able – to enroll in a traditional academic program. People may need to update their skills, respond to changes in their profession, prepare for a new career, gain a specific credential or simply continue learning to enhance their earning potential. Employers and community organizations may also need customized education and training that can be developed and delivered relatively quickly. Continuing Education allows the university to be flexible and responsive while still drawing on the depth, expertise and credibility of the broader institution. For a regional university such as VIU, it is also an important bridge between the university and community. It helps ensure that VIU remains accessible and relevant to people at many different stages of their lives and careers.
Where do you see VIU going next with its continuing education programs?
My first priority is to listen and learn. VIU already has a wide range of programs, experienced, dedicated staff and strong relationships with communities and industry. It is important to understand what is working well, where there are barriers and where there are opportunities.
I see an opportunity to create a more coordinated and visible approach to Continuing Education across VIU. That doesn’t mean losing the distinct expertise and relationships that exist within faculties and campuses. It means connecting those strengths more effectively and making it easier for learners, employers and community partners to understand what VIU can offer.
I also see opportunities to expand programming in areas such as workforce development, professional learning, micro-credentials, customized training and education that responds to emerging regional needs.
I would like VIU to be recognized as a trusted first point of contact when an individual, employer or community organization has an education or training need.
What do you like best about living and working on Vancouver Island?
The extraordinary quality of life. I appreciate the natural environment and the ability to be near the ocean, forests, mountains and trails. I enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking and spending time outdoors, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to call this wonderful place home for me and my family.
I also value the strong sense of community here. Vancouver Island communities have distinct identities, histories and needs, but they are also deeply interconnected. Working at VIU provides an opportunity to contribute to those communities and help the university respond to their changing educational and economic needs. The combination of meaningful work, strong communities and access to the outdoors is difficult to beat.
What is something your coworkers would be surprised to learn about you?
I have been a lifelong, diehard metalhead since I was 10 years old! Music has always been a significant part of my life. Although my professional roles tend to require a fairly calm and measured approach, my musical tastes are often considerably “louder.” At Camosun, I was known by many as “The Dean of Metal” – a title I very much appreciated. This also made sense since I had Welding, Metal Fabrication and Heavy Duty Mechanic programs in my portfolio! I enjoy discovering new music, attending local shows and revisiting the bands and albums that first captured my imagination when I was young. If anyone wants to talk metal, I will be there! In particular, talking metal with students has always been one of my favourite activities.