Careers

Derek Ward-Hall
UFV Regional Manager of International Student Recruitment

I'm as Fraser Valley as it gets. I grew up in Abbotsford and graduated from UFV. I've played on local soccer teams and performed with regional theatre troupes. But growing up I also dreamt of meeting people from all over the world and experiencing different cultures. At UFV, I get both.   

I have a rich life with friends and family in my hometown and I get to connect with people from far-away places like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Brazil, and Nigeria to tell prospective students about UFV and the amazing opportunities that await them here in the Fraser Valley. 

A career at UFV means I have strong ties to a community that nurtures me and I also get to make an impact in the lives of people from all over the world.

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Shirley Hardman
Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs

My ancestral name is Swelchalot, which means Lady of the Day. I live in Shxwhá:y Village next to the City of Chilliwack and have a deep connection to that land. 

My biggest responsibility at UFV is helping all learners recognize s’olh temexw and the history of the land as a natural part of where we live. The rich, academic discourse here at UFV feeds my soul as I witness transforming lives and touching hearts. At the same time, I’m supporting Indigenous peoples as they (are reflected and included every day and) realize their goals of self-determination and well-being. 

Then at the end of the day, I can go home to Shxwhá:y Village, sit by the river on our sacred ancestral land and look forward to the salmon returning next year. 

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Joel Feenstra
Assistant Professor, Electrical Department, UFV Applied & Technical Studies

I love being mentally and physically active. It turns out teaching electrical and technology at UFV is a perfect combination of both. I’ve built and created things in the UFV shop I never thought would have been possible. Last summer I built my own paddleboard that my family takes up to Cultus Lake and paddles around.   

At the same time, teaching satisfies my deeper need to be part of something larger. I’m sending students out into a workforce where they’re going to be successful.  

At UFV I get to be creative by learning and building things myself. But I also get to help students learn skills that will help them thrive. I love that. 

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Arun Varghese
Technical Analyst

I love hiking. I grew up in Qatar where hiking wasn’t really possible so it’s special to live in a scenic place that’s not overcrowded. The first time I saw a clear blue sky free from pollution was when I arrived in BC! But, I still enjoy big-city culture and crowds from time to time.   

I began working at the university as a student. I started as a lab monitor, then as a work- study student, then as a co-op student and then as a support analyst. After graduation, I was hired as a technical analyst.  

Working at UFV and living in the Fraser Valley means I don’t have to choose between career and lifestyle. I can grow in my career, hike at Lindeman Lake and take advantage of everything Vancouver has to offer. 

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Dr. Joanna Sheppard
Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kinesiology

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Satwinder Bains
Director, UFV South Asian Studies Institute

Generationally, there has been a thread of social justice weaving through our family. I hope to pass this on to my next generations and students.

My passion for social change spills over into the classroom where I help students see their larger role in society after graduation. I share my knowledge, show them new ways of thinking, and encourage them to not become complacent with the way things are. Without activism, academia is lifeless, and doesn’t create the spark that you need to ignite new ideas and new ways of thinking.

They will go on to make powerful and positive change in the world as justice advocates, international development workers, teachers, social workers, and much more. 

At the University of the Fraser Valley, I can both mentor the next generation of changemakers in the classroom and lead by example in my community. 

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