New Dean, School of Health, Community & Social Justice

Kent Highnam, international educator, speaker, advocate to lead paramedicine, community and social justice programs

The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kent Highnam as the new Dean of the School of Health, Community & Social Justice.

“I feel so fortunate to be assuming this role at JIBC, the Institute that has been so central to my personal education and professional career journey,” said Mr. Highnam. “I’m excited to be part of its senior leadership as we emerge from the pandemic into a new world of higher education.”

Mr. Highnam most recently served as Acting Dean for the school from April 2021 upon the retirement of his predecessor, Barb Kidd, providing leadership while a competitive recruitment process was conducted.

Kent Highnam, Dean, School of Health, Community & Social Justice — Kent Highnam has been appointed JIBC's new Dean, School of Health, Community & Social Justice.

He joined JIBC in 2003 as a Program Manager for the Centre for Conflict Resolution, eventually becoming the centre’s Program Director in 2014. He also serves as an instructor at JIBC for the Centre for Conflict Resolution, the Centre for Leadership and the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies program.

Mr. Highnam is an international educator and speaker with a background in international and public relations with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He has worked in a broad cross-section of organizations as an educator, facilitator, and practitioner of conflict resolution in both English and French.

He holds a BA in international relations from the University of British Columbia, an MA in political science from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, and two certificates in conflict resolution, with specializations in negotiation and mediation, both from JIBC.

“We all know Kent to be a true advocate for JIBC,” said Colleen Vaughan, JIBC Vice-President Academic. “He has confirmed that by fully embracing the Dean role, demonstrating his inclusiveness, entrepreneurial and collegial spirit and commitment to moving our organization forward.”

“The opportunities for the School of Health, Community & Social Justice are greater now than ever, as issues of health and social justice are central to all professions and aspects of life – political, socio-economic, and environmental,” said Mr. Highnam. “JIBC will play an increasingly important role in these areas as we contribute to our vision of safer communities and a more just society.”