Derek Nanson 2007

After 22 years at Kwantlen University College, Derek Nanson retired on Thursday, September 13, 2007.   Derek started as an instructor in Adult Special Education in 1985.  He developed the program, initiated partnerships with employers so that students with disabilities could learn and practice employability skills on job sites in addition to in the classroom. While this is the template for many college programs today, it was revolutionary in 1985. Derek moved on to become first the Director of Health Sciences and Human Services in 1989, and, in 1995 became Dean of Student Services and later Dean of Qualifying Studies and Student Services. He did not forget his roots and continued to support the growth of the department as Director and as Dean throughout his years at Kwantlen…and he supported the people that worked in the department, the students and the disability community provincially.

Derek has had many accomplishments including being the recipient of the Disability Resource Network’s Program Award in February, 2005 as a result of his tireless work in supporting programs for people with disabilities both at Kwantlen University College and at the provincial level. He established the very successful SPARK program at Kwantlen and also developed strong ties with aboriginal community.

It is however Derek’s personal qualities that will be his legacy to those of us who were fortunate to have worked with him.  Derek was, and is, a dedicated, hard worker and who led by example.  He consistently demonstrated leadership skills and a sense of caring and fairness that went so far beyond the norm that he had an enormous impact on those students, employees, administrators or community leaders he happened to touch.

Because of Derek’s leadership style, he has been a mentor to many of us…whether he was fully aware of that or not.  Many of us would like to be more like him the highest compliment of all

His colleagues describe his many attributes as: Accessible, Dependable, Calm, Patient, Assertive, Friendly, A good listener, Compassionate, Respectful of everyone, Objective, Fair, Ethical, Honest, Reliable, Determined, Has a good sense of humour, Appreciates diversity, Recognizes the strengths in others, Encourages growth in employees and that of students, and a Visionary.

It is said that all good things must come to an end but Derek Nanson’s contribution to Kwantlen and to the disability community will continue for years.  All the best in your retirement Derek.