Laura Schneider will be the new Director, Strategic Initiatives at the University of the Fraser Valley’s College of Arts starting November 1.

Laura has been an adjunct professor at UFV since 2019, and served as Executive Director of The Reach Gallery Museum from 2015 to 2024. She brings extensive experience as a leader and cultural administrator, having held curatorial and executive roles in arts organizations all over Canada.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Art History from Queen’s University, a Masters in Art History from Carleton University, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. She has also earned an Academic Museum and Gallery Leadership Certificate from Northwestern University, as well as a Professional Specialization Certificate in Collections Management from the University of Victoria.

At UFV, Laura will be collaborating with faculty and staff in the School of Creative Arts and the Department of Graphic and Digital Design to identify opportunities for program growth. Her priority will be designing effective solutions for their facilities, technological needs, and revenue generation.

“I believe that this is a crucial moment for the evolution of a thriving and integrated cultural sector in our region,” states Laura. “And UFV, through the talented and dedicated faculty and staff in the School of Creative Arts and in Graphic and Digital Design, has an opportunity to play a key role in this development. “

She values collaboration and strong interpersonal relationships, leading with vision and good humour. In the years ahead, Laura is dedicated to cultivating community partnerships, supporting Indigenous creatives, and using the arts to both inspire and inform.

As she steps into her role in November, Laura’s feeling excited for this next chapter. She says, “I’m looking forward to contributing to this area of growth for the university, and I’m grateful to continue building the capacity and vitality of the cultural sector in the Fraser Valley from this new vantage point.”