Dear Colleagues,
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Sharon Kahn, Professor Emerita in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education (ECPS), who passed away on November 3, 2025. A pioneering leader in equity, a devoted educator and a respected and cherished colleague, Dr. Kahn leaves an enduring legacy at UBC and across the field of counselling psychology.
Born in Missouri in 1946, Dr. Kahn earned her BA from Washington University (1968), MEd from Boston University (1969), and PhD from Arizona State University (1975). She joined UBC’s Faculty of Education that same year as an Assistant Professor, beginning a remarkable 38-year career that shaped generations of students, scholars and academic leaders. She became a leading scholar in counselling theory, gender equity practices, women’s career development, and stress management before retiring as a Professor in 2013.
A true trailblazer, Dr. Kahn became UBC’s first Director of Employment Equity in 1989 and, in 1994, the University’s first Associate Vice President, Equity. In these groundbreaking roles, she helped lay the foundation for UBC’s equity and human rights programs. Under her leadership, UBC received two federal Certificates of Merit for outstanding achievement in employment equity, as well as the Vision Award from Human Resources Development Canada. Dr. Kahn later served as UBC’s first Academic Leadership Coach and helped launch UBC’s Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP), supporting senior leaders in fostering fair and inclusive academic environments.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kahn made significant scholarly and service contributions to UBC at the department, faculty and university levels. Her work encompassed extensive committee service, mentoring and supervising numerous students, dedicated teaching, and a robust research program. She shared her expertise widely through conference presentations, leadership roles and extensive publications. A sought-after international speaker, she also strengthened the broader academic community through her leadership in professional societies and her consulting work with government and community organizations.
A long-time supporter of the UBC Library, Dr. Kahn made a significant donation of rare books, valued at over $80,000, to the University’s collections. After retiring, she remained deeply engaged in community life, bringing her commitment to education and cultural enrichment to her volunteer work and board service with Early Music Vancouver, a non-profit offering classical music programming.
To honour her memory, the British Columbia, Musqueam, and UBC flags will be lowered. For details, please visit the Ceremonies and Events website.
The Faculty of Education extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Kahn’s family, friends, colleagues, students and all who were touched by her extraordinary life, leadership and scholarship.
With sympathy,
Dr. Jan Hare
Dean, UBC Faculty of Education
Learn more about Dr. Kahn in the “In Memoriam” by Dr. Arig al Shaibah, Associate Vice-President Equity & Inclusion