Ms. Carolyn Russell
Vice-President Students
Carolyn Russell's primary focus lies in supporting VIU students' academic achievements, mental health, personal development and global connectedness throughout their entire educational journey with VIU. She is accountable for the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan and is responsible for implementing strategies to increase enrollment and support the persistence of students at VIU. Her portfolio includes the Office of the Vice President Students, Office of Future Students, Office of the Registrar, Division of Student Affairs, VIU International and VIU Housing.
Carolyn has over 25 years of experience as a senior university administrator. From 2022-2024 she held the position of Associate Vice-President International Education at VIU. Prior to joining VIU, Carolyn worked with the University of Victoria for 10 years and held several senior positions, including the Executive Director Global Engagement. Before joining UVic, Carolyn spent 14 years at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in a variety of roles related to international education, student success and enrolment management.
Carolyn is an accomplished leader in organizational change and renewal, always keeping the student experience central to her approach to managing change in the dynamic post-secondary sector. She has led the development of many successful student recruitment plans and the development of international plans for VIU, UVic and UNBC.
Carolyn received the 2012 BC Council for International Education Award for Service Excellence in International Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from UNBC and a Master of Public Administration from UVic.