Thevi Pather brings over 25 years of international education experience to this new role at Sask Polytech
October 2, 2020 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic is pleased to announce Thevi Pather as the new associate vice-president, International. Pather brings over 25 years of international education experience to this new role. Prior to joining Sask Polytech, Pather was the executive director of Global Engagement at North Island College.
Pather has broad experience as an internationalization consultant developing strategies and support for public and private post-secondary institutions. This includes undertaking comprehensive reviews of global engagement operations, developing internationalization and business development strategies and facilitating international pathway partnerships.
“This is a new position for Sask Polytech focused on implementation and growth of our internationalization strategy,” says Pat Bowron, vice-president of Advancement and International. “Thevi’s international education leadership and experience will advance Sask Polytech’s newly launched strategic plan, and will increase the number of skilled and entrepreneurial new Canadians in Saskatchewan.”
Sask Polytech’s international framework focuses on enriching students’ learning and preparation for an increasingly multicultural global workplace while enhancing faculty and staff capabilities through collaborations, partnerships and experiences. This framework aligns with both provincial and federal international education growth strategies and is positioned to meet the needs of industry.
Sask Polytech welcomes international students to learn in Saskatchewan or study Sask Polytech programs abroad. The International team is responsible for international recruitment, retention, student support services and international projects.
“I am excited to join Sask Polytech to help International students reach their education and career goals,” Pather shares. “This is an exciting time for international education in Saskatchewan. Studying alongside international students enriches the lives of Canadian students and increases their comfort with different cultures, a skill needed in the global economy. International students also create opportunities that can open doors to future trade, commerce and cultural opportunities.”
Pather started his career in post-secondary as the assistant director, International Student Services with the University of British Columbia where he was successful in growing the study abroad program and expanding supports to international students. He later moved on to Simon Fraser University in a similar role before changing to the college environment when he joined Camosun College as the associate director, International. There, he was responsible for the entire international student experience. Following his time with the college, Pather joined Royal Roads University as the director, Global Advancement and later joined North Island College as the executive director of Global Engagement.
Pather is an avid runner and competed on the track and field team at California State University, Fresno. He is a doctoral candidate and holds a Master of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University.
The appointment of Pather as the new associate vice-president, International follows a highly competitive national search.