Doctor of Education Graduate Peter Holowka

Originally from Vancouver, BC, Peter has since toured the world presenting at numerous conferences on his research in educational technology.

What first got you interested in a career in education?

I trained to be an IT professional. When the IT bubble burst in 2021, my old high school reached out to me. What was supposed to be a temporary position turned into a 20+ year career in education.

What made you want to study at the Werklund School of Education? 

The Educational Technology Program had the best reputation in the country. This was my interest area so I pursued the best.

What was your favourite part about Werklund? What is your most memorable Werklund experience?

At Werklund, I was surrounded by an amazing cohort of talented professionals. Additionally, the faculty were extraordinarily supportive. University professors, generally speaking, can feel that teaching is a burden that detracts from their research/career aspirations. At Werklund, the teaching was exceptional and uncompromised. The faculty are world-class scholars and outstanding educators who know how to guide their students' learning. This quality of instruction and warmth of interaction was what I found most memorable.

Who is someone who had an important influence on your experience at Werklund? Tell us about their impact. 

Dr. Eugene Kowch was a tremendous supervisor. He has the rare talent of combining a gentle disposition with exacting, uncompromising standards. He always showed me a better path forward with my research. I consistently gave him my best work, and then he consistently showed me how it could be even better. This took a lot of time, energy, and expertise. I am eternally grateful for his contribution to my scholarship and career. Because of Dr. Kowch's commitment to my scholarship (above and beyond what I ever expected), I am not only a better academic, but I can now more effectively mentor others.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your time with Werklund? 

My research and my close work with my committee (especially Dr. Eugene Kowch and Dr. Michele Jacobsen) underscored the incredible importance of soft skills and empathy. Universities are full of smart people; interpersonal skills are what amplify how far one goes. Dr. Kowch and Dr. Jacobsen embodied this lesson. Education is ultimately about supporting and positively transforming people.

What did you go on to do after you completed your degree?

After my degree, I toured the world presenting at numerous conferences on my research in educational technology. I continued my work as an IT leader, though now at a larger and more prestigious school. Additionally, and arguably most importantly, my work helped schools around the world deliver education during the pandemic (my research was in cloud computing adoption and IT leadership in K-12). Lastly, I am now President of the Vancouver Chapter of the Chief Information Officer Association of Canada, and sit on the national board. 

What advice would you give to those about to begin their journey with Werklund?

Not all universities are created equal. Werklund will hold you to a high standard and push you. The work you put in will transform you and is worth it. The details matter and the sacrifices are worth it --even though they are years away.