Dr. Sandra Efu - Interim President / VP Academic & Student Experience
Dr. Sandra Efu is an academic and ardent advocate for education as a catalyst for global economic development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics, a Master of Development Economics degree from Dalhousie University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation, and Enhancement from Lancaster University. In addition, Sandra is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Sandra’s professional journey has been marked by diverse experiences across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Before moving to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo with her family, she devoted herself to several education, community, and economic development initiatives, aimed at improving quality of life for children, youth, and other vulnerable populations. Notably, in the wake of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, she worked in Haiti and helped support relief and recovery efforts in some of the most vulnerable districts in the country.
Sandra’s work experience has also included coordinating projects with International Financial Institutions such as The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and leading global mobility initiatives for faculty and students in countries such as Belize, Honduras, Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
After moving to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo with her family in 2013, Sandra quickly became engaged with contributing to her local community through Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo – a non-profit initiative funded by the Suncor Energy Foundation. She drew on her extensive experience collaborating with key stakeholders—including the United Way of Fort McMurray, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the University of Waterloo, and Capacity Canada—to better position non-profit organizations in the Region, boosting their capacity and fostering greater innovation.
In 2015, Sandra joined Keyano College as a faculty member in the School of Business. Driven by a passion to shape young individuals into conscientious professionals in their chosen fields, Sandra embraced leadership roles with rigour and zeal. She has made significant contributions in various capacities at the college, serving as Vice President of Academic and Student Experience, Dean of Business, University Studies, and Academic Upgrading, and Director of Student Services. As Vice President of Academic and Student Experience, Sandra focused her leadership on reinforcing Keyano College’s foundation for research in northern Alberta and increasing youth retention in the Region.
Sandra also developed and spearheaded the college's inaugural strategy on international education and global citizenship. She drew heavily on principles of inclusivity and participatory democracy, engaging in extensive consultations with diverse groups, including faculty, staff, and students, to enhance international education opportunities. Her successful leadership led to Keyano College’s ongoing participation in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program. In recognition of her contributions, Sandra was honored with the North Star Award by the Canadian Bureau for International Education in 2021.
Sandra remains committed to increasing research capacity at Keyano College, enhancing high-quality programs, improving services that enrich the student experience, and meeting the Region’s objectives. Outside of professional life, Sandra is an avid sports enthusiast and active volunteer. She serves as Head Coach for the U-11 Girls' soccer team. Also, she is involved in youth ministry at St. John and St. Paul parishes, and supports the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation. Sandra’s multifaceted career and community involvement highlight her unwavering commitment to education and development, both locally and globally.
Contact the Office of the Vice President, Academic and Student Experience:
Phone: +1-780-791-4854