Amanda Dowhy

Amanda Dowhy joined the Royal Roads University (RRU) community just over three years ago after two decades in hospitality – including 17 years within the private golf club industry. Most of her career has been built around governance and working with Board structures from both sides of the table through various volunteer and employed capacities. This experience has included multiple executive positions with service clubs and community groups, sole staff support to a Chamber of Commerce, and serving as the senior staff member responsible for preparing and delivering financial reporting to the Finance, Audit, and Risk Management Committee.

In the October 2022 municipal elections, she was elected as a school board trustee for the Sooke School District, where she has (and continues) to serve as the Chairperson for the Board of Education. As a trustee, she has served as a committee chair or member for every committee of the Board of Education over the last 3.5 years. Education and equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities is something she deeply values and considers a fundamental right.

A well-rounded and diverse Board is essential to supporting the goals and strategic direction of the University. Current economic and political conditions continue to present challenges for the public sector, with education facing an additional need to adapt and pivot to respond to changes in the market and programming. A strong foundation in governance, along with an understanding of the complex and shifting landscape that post-secondary institutions currently occupy, is necessary to set and guide direction that can be operationalized to ensure students and academic integrity remain at the forefront of the work. The landscape of traditional post-secondary education is at a crossroads as institutions see a shift in who their learners are, what they want from their education, and how they achieve those goals. Institutions that are adaptable and forward-thinking will be best positioned to respond to changes in government priorities, labour market trends, and global needs. This vital work is led by the University’s Board of Governors.

During her time with Royal Roads University (RRU), Amanda Dowhy has gained a strong understanding of the business and financial operations of the organization through her work with the Financial Services team. Through positions in both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable over multiple annual audit cycles, she has developed a holistic view of the various business functions, policy review and implementation, and risk management. In her current role as a Program Coordinator in Professional and Continuing Studies, she continues to build a deeper understanding of academic processes and opportunities to increase and diversify revenue streams. As an active community member with deep ties to both the business and education sectors, she is constantly looking for opportunities to strengthen connections between learning and the community.