Dr. Paula Burns

Dr. Paula Burns is the fourth president and CEO of Langara College. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Paula has demonstrated innovation in leadership that prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, collaboration and community building, and the ability to cultivate a progressive, positive, and welcoming culture.

Paula has established herself as an active leader locally, provincially, and nationally. She is committed to advancing education and creating a safe and respectful learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Since joining Langara, she has overseen the development of the College’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework, Strategic Enrolment Plan, Student Success Plan, and the College’s new Strategic Framework for 2025 - 2028.

In addition, Paula is the Chair of the Council of Presidents of BC Colleges after serving as its vice chair for a year. Previously she served as the board chair of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). She also served on their National Indigenous Education Advisory Committee as the governance committee chair who developed CICan's Indigenous Education Protocol.

Paula has a Respiratory Therapy diploma from Fanshawe College, a B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo, a M.Ed. from Central Michigan University, a Ph.D. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto, and an MBA from Royal Roads University.