Kwantlen Polytechnic University President's Unexplained Absence Sparks Concern
Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey is facing growing uncertainty as its newly appointed president, Bruce Choy, has been absent for several weeks without any official explanation provided to the university community.
Leadership Vacuum and Faculty Frustration
Bruce Choy, who assumed the presidency in September 2025, has not been seen at the university for multiple weeks and has cancelled scheduled meetings. His official installation ceremony has been postponed indefinitely, according to communications from the Kwantlen Faculty Association.
Mark Diotte, president of the Kwantlen Faculty Association, expressed concern about the lack of transparency, stating that "the university community has received no formal communication regarding his multi-week absence or of any appointment of an acting president."
Interim Leadership Appointed
On Monday, Erin Barnes, chair of the KPU board of governors, informed employees that Diane Purvey has been appointed as acting president "for an indeterminate time frame while Bruce Choy is on leave, also for an undetermined time and which is confidential in nature."
Purvey, who serves as provost and vice-president of academic affairs at Kwantlen, previously acted in the presidential capacity before Choy's arrival. The board expressed confidence in her ability to lead during this period of uncertainty.
Budget Irregularities and Communication Breakdown
The annual budget was passed by the board of governors in January, two months earlier than usual, and Choy was notably absent from that meeting. During the session, Diane Purvey was reportedly referred to as interim university president, though faculty received no formal confirmation until this week.
Diane Walsh, vice-president of grievances for the faculty association, described a "vacuum" of information from senior management, noting that "we have very little information about the KPU president or a complaint."
Compensation and Contract Details
When questioned about whether Choy is on paid or unpaid leave, university officials stated only that he is "being compensated in line with the terms of his contract." His exact salary will become public next year through standard public sector compensation disclosure reports.
The faculty association has raised concerns about the effective operation of the university during this period of leadership uncertainty, particularly noting irregularities in the budget approval process and a general lack of clarity around administrative responsibilities.
As the situation continues to develop, the Kwantlen Polytechnic University community remains in the dark about the reasons behind their president's extended absence and the implications for the institution's governance and operations.
