New KPU Turf Instructor Has Not Landed

By WCTA Staff

With this past spring’s retirement of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s long-time turf management instructor Stan Kazyermchyk, it was expected that KPU would hire a replacement in time for the 2024 fall semester.

It turns out that as of end September, this has not been the case.  Former Dean of Horticulture, Dr. Brett Favaro stated, “At the moment, we don’t have a permanent replacement for Stan but we do have people covering his courses. It’s a mix of existing faculty and temporary ones. So the Turf program continues unmodified at the moment.”

Dr. Amy Jeon, Pro tem Dean, Faculty of Science added, “The Horticulture Technology program review is currently in the self-study report writing stage.  As per the schedule, the report is expected to be submitted to the Dean’s office within the next two months.”

In terms of enrolment, the turf program continues to struggle with low numbers with just 12 students ‘declared’ and six having fewer than 15 credits needed for completion.  Dr. Jeon stated, “The Horticulture department is collaborating with the Dean’s office and the advising team to address low enrolment concerns in some courses.”