2021 has been a year of growth for Crandall University, and as the institution’s domestic and international student bodies have increased, so then have staff and faculty numbers needed to rise to match them. With the international student body in particular exceeding growth expectations, a number of positions have been created to address new and growing needs within the University.

One such position is the new Manager of Student Life and Transformation for International Graduate Students. Part of the University’s developing Student Life and Transformation Department, this position focuses providing support for the growing numbers of international students in Crandall’s graduate programs.

Filling this role will be Alicia Flanagan, who comes to Crandall with a deep knowledge of the settlement sector, as well as a passion for working with individuals from diverse cultures. Alicia was drawn to the role almost immediately: “I have been working with newcomers to Canada for a few years,” she shared. “When I learned of the new position at Crandall, I felt the Holy Spirit’s peace that this is where He was leading me.”

With many years of experience as a social worker and crisis counsellor to newcomers to Canada, working with them and guiding them through the inevitable ups and downs of making a new country their home, Alicia is well-prepared to take on this new and important role. “I’m so glad to have Alicia joining our team,” shared Dale Stairs, Senior Director of Student Life and Transformation. “Her passion for serving God is infectious, and I’m thrilled to have someone with her experience welcoming our international students and overseeing transformation opportunities.”

As part of her role, Alicia will also be a resource to connect Christian international students with local churches and provide opportunities for interested students to learn more Christian belief and practice. “I am excited to create opportunities for community building and spiritual formation with the international students. My hope is that the international students feel like they belong at Crandall and see our local community as home.”

Welcome to the Crandall University Team, Alicia! We can’t wait to have you on campus in August.

If you have any interest in working with Crandall, check out our employment page for our latest job postings.