Oct 13, 2021
Vancouver, BC - The Langara College Board of Governors is pleased to appoint Vice-President External Yusuf Varachia as Acting President and CEO effective November 27, 2021.
As announced in July, Dr. Lane Trotter will finish his term as Langara’s third President and CEO at the end of this year, and then take on the role of President of Camosun College on January 1, 2022. The search for the College’s fourth President and CEO is well underway, with the search committee established, opportunity profile approved, community consultations complete, and a national search for candidates in progress. Dr. Trotter’s last working day at the College will be November 26.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Lane Trotter and I wish him all the best when he begins his new role as President at Camosun College in the new year. He will be missed by all of us here at Langara,” said Varachia. “It is an honour to take on the role of Acting President and CEO of Langara College next month. I especially look forward to continuing our important work in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and supporting the entire College community. I am proud to work alongside our stellar students, faculty, and staff.”
Yusuf joined Langara College on February 3, 2020, bringing over 15 years of experience working in the Canadian educational sector. Prior to joining Langara, he was the Director, Global Engagement at Simon Fraser University (SFU). In that position, he supported the promotion and enhancement of SFU’s profile domestically and internationally through the strategic management of SFU’s international partnerships, international visitors, and local diplomatic corps. He also has extensive experience managing domestic and international student recruitment at SFU.
Before joining SFU, Yusuf worked in Student Services at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Prior to moving to Vancouver, he was a teacher for the Toronto District School Board. Throughout his career, Yusuf has developed programs designed to recruit and retain diverse student populations and has worked to ensure that they are represented within educational institutions. He has a proven track record of working across multiple stakeholders that include students, faculty, alumni, industry, government and others in order to create innovative programming and strengthen communities.
Yusuf holds a Master of Arts degree with a focus on Indigeneity, diversity, and social equity from Simon Fraser University, a Bachelor of Education degree from OISE/University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University.
“I want to thank Lane for his many years of service to Langara, and Yusuf for agreeing to step into the Acting role. They will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition,” said Michal Jaworski, Chair, Langara Board of Governors.
About snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm 'house of teachings', a name given to it by Musqueam, on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Public Affairs
Langara College
mdawson@langara.ca
