South Asian Community Advisory Committee (SACAC)

Dr. Garry Fehr has been a faculty member at UFV in the Department of Geography and the Environment since 2007, was selected to be Director of the Agriculture Centre of Excellence for three years, and then appointed AVP Research, Engagement and Graduate Studies in September 2018. He completed his BA at Thompson Rivers University and his PhD in Geography at the University of Guelph. Prior to attending university, Dr. Fehr spent 20 years working in the construction and natural resource sectors, including owning his own business providing water and vacuum services for residential, commercial and industrial clients. This experience, combined with his leadership of development projects around the world, has informed his research on rural development, and the effects of globalization and decentralized governance on the sustainability of rural livelihoods and the natural environments they are dependent upon. His research and community development work have taken him around the world with significant focus in India, East Africa, the Caribbean and here at home in BC. In addition, Dr. Fehr has provided more than 30 years of leadership for a variety of non-profit boards, associations, and guidance for community development organizations.

Dr. Fehr’s background outside of the academy has strongly influenced his approach to teaching and learning, as well his efforts engaging local governments, non-governmental organizations and industry to provide research and internship opportunities for students. As AVP, Garry provides leadership and support for the development of faculty and student research activities, engagement with the university’s communities, and entrepreneurial approaches to enhancing access to research funds. Dr. Fehr is responsible for the overarching administration of Research Options, Scholarly Activity, Sabbatical Applications, Reports, Research Chairs, Research Centres and Institutes and Graduate Programs at UFV.