Come Grow with Us spotlights the remarkable career progress of BCIT staff and faculty. Each story is a celebration of their growth and contributions to BCIT.
Morgan Westcott is the Associate Dean of Marketing Management in the School of Business + Media. Her journey began as a BCIT student in the marketing diploma (tourism sales and marketing option) before working in sales for a local cultural tourism business; and eventually joining LinkBC, a provincial organization based at Capilano University. There, she managed communications across 25 post-secondary institutions and led projects connecting students with industry.
In 2015, with two young children at home and LinkBC winding down, Morgan made the leap into post-secondary teaching—starting at University of the Fraser Valley, Royal Roads University, and BCIT. Over time, she focused solely on teaching at BCIT and, eventually, a leadership position.
This August, Morgan celebrates 10 years at BCIT—a milestone reflecting her dedication to the Institute. Get to know Morgan as she shares her path from industry to instruction, and now to academic leadership.
What has been your most memorable moment working at BCIT?
So many moments come to mind but one I can share through a picture is a moment with a lovely team of students who came to represent marketing at Big Info in 2024.
What are projects or initiatives that you have completed at the Institute that you are proud of?
I have served on Education Council (EdCo) both as a faculty member and as a management appointee; and now I’m the Chair of the Policy Standing Committee. This is probably going to sound as dry as a bone, but I’m proud of the work that I’ve been doing with my EdCo Co-chair, Shawna Waberi leading a project to review EdCo’s bylaws.
As Functional Coordinator for Students in School of Business + Media, I created some great resources and two events – one called “Set Rep Summit” and a “Welcome Back Mixer”. The Marketing Management department went through a major change process that reviewed and made changes to all five options of our marketing diploma at once (lots of lessons learned there!). And we’ve also adjusted our enrolment process so that students can wait until the end of first year before choosing their option, which has helped with recruitment.
I’m also a member of the Student Wellbeing Advisory Committee and was a contributor to the new student wellbeing framework – I was elated when we signed the Okanagan Charter. My doctoral research pertains to the role of BCIT instructors as first responders to distressed students. I’m very proud to say I recently passed my defence, and my dissertation has just been published!
That means my best work is yet to come as we recognize, validate, and value the critical role our faculty have been playing. As a first step I will be co-presenting a workshop on this topic at BCIT Professional Development Day so faculty can share their experiences.
Come grow with us. Explore rewarding career opportunities at BCIT.
What do you enjoy the most about working in post-secondary education?
Honestly, these are challenging times for the sector. What keeps me going is knowing that post-secondary education, and BCIT in particular, was my ticket to a better life and I want as many people as possible to realize their potential, find the right program (or course) at the right time, and change their lives for the better.
Is there an Institute event that you look forward to every year?
Convocation, hands down. I still remember receiving my BCIT diploma, and I get that same excitement and pride when I see our students cross the stage. They’ve accomplished so much, and they don’t even realize how their lives are about to be transformed. While credit goes to the students and their instructors, to have played a small part in facilitating that magical moment … it’s the best. And hopefully this year I will be able to debut my doctoral regalia! People who know me know how much I have been coveting a floppy hat!
Share with us how what you are passionate about outside of work.
I have so many hobbies: one relatively recent development is my love of running (my usual distance is the half-marathon, but I’ve also completed three full ones). I love to travel, from off-the-beaten track to classics like Paris and the tried-and-true Disney, camping is a must; and in weather like we’re having, I love to play in my garden. I can’t grow food but I’m a decent amateur landscaper.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my kids. I love spending time with them, they’re 10 and (just shy of) 15 and over and above everything I’ve talked about here, my time with my kids is the most important – and that’s why you’ve probably seen them out and about on campus!
Do you have hidden talent/skills that you would like to reveal to us?
As a teenager I was on a nationally ranked improv team and in several plays and musicals; I was once in two competition choirs, and I think I have a tolerable singing voice.
