College of the Rockies is pleased to welcome Meagan LaRiviere as Dean of Health and Human Services, bringing extensive leadership experience in health education, academic quality, innovation, and student success.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning healthcare practice, post-secondary education, professional regulation, and academic leadership in Canada and internationally, LaRiviere joins the College at a time of continued growth and innovation in health and human services education.
“Meagan’s depth of experience, commitment to student success, and passion for health education make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Michael Crowe, President and CEO. “Her expertise in academic quality, community partnerships, and innovative program development will strengthen our ability to prepare graduates who can meet the evolving needs of our communities.”
LaRiviere began her career as a registered nurse, gaining clinical experience in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care settings before expanding her expertise into diagnostic medical sonography. Over time, her career evolved from clinical practice and teaching to leadership roles focused on clinical simulation, nursing regulation, research, innovation, and post-secondary program quality.
Prior to joining College of the Rockies, she served as Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the University of Calgary’s campus in Qatar, where she helped lead a Canadian Bachelor of Nursing program in an intercultural setting. In that role, she oversaw academic quality and accreditation, curriculum evaluation, strategic planning, and faculty development. More recently, she served as Vice Dean of Health Studies at NorQuest College in Edmonton, providing leadership across a diverse portfolio with a focus on program quality and innovation, enrolment management, fund development, community partnerships, and student success.
“I am excited to join College of the Rockies and become part of such a vibrant learning community,” said LaRiviere. “Health education is fundamentally about people, and I look forward to working alongside students, faculty, staff, and community partners to create learning opportunities that contribute to the health and well-being of the region.”
LaRiviere holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Research and Post-Secondary Leadership from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology from Royal Roads University. Her research and scholarly interests include continuing competence, health professions education, simulation, intercultural learning, curriculum quality, and the relationship between education, professional practice, and community impact.
She recently relocated to Cranbrook and is looking forward to becoming part of the East Kootenay community. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the region’s mountains, lakes, and communities.
LaRiviere began her role on August 1, 2026.
Learn more about College of the Rockies Health and Human Services programs at cotr.bc.ca/programs
About College of the Rockies
For 50 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industries, and businesses of our region. All our campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa people, which is also home to the Kinbasket people. We value our relationships with the four Ktunaxa bands, the Shuswap band, and the Kootenay Regional Office of the Métis Nation, BC. Each year, thousands of full-time and part-time students join us in a full range of programs, including skilled trades, university arts and sciences, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Darryl Dux
Communications Coordinator
College of the Rockies
ddux@cotr.bc.ca