Colleen Klassen, Agility Innovation Zone Coordinator

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta. My parents were educators and I was a well-rounded student, excelling in STEM courses as well as social sciences, languages and music. I knew I would end up in an education-related field, and music was the one pursuit I couldn’t imagine setting aside, so I went on to do a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary. My goal wasn’t to be a concert pianist but to focus on improving my skills to be the best teacher possible for my students. My husband and I moved to Lethbridge in 2003, he studied here for several years in the Faculty of Education and in Nursing. As well as teaching private piano students through the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music over the last 21 years, I have specialized in collaborative piano, joining  Ulethbridge students on the stage for their juries and recitals. I also loved my time as the accompanist for the U of L Singers choir.

My husband works for a local custom cabinetry company and we have two boys, ages 18 and 16, who will likely end up attending ULethbridge very soon!

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I took on the role of Innovation Zone Coordinator on a part-time contract in February (2024) to fill a gap in staffing and to find some organizational efficiencies. During the time I was working here part-time, I was still teaching my studio of 32 piano students, which was quite exhausting - but gave me the opportunity to consider what a career shift would look like. When the Innovation Zone Coordinator position was posted full-time, I was happy to apply! I love the mix of administrative and hands-on work. My day consists of everything from planning class visits and workshops, overseeing student staff members, keeping the maker space organized, learning new technology, booking users for training, making improvements to systems, writing reports and emails, brainstorming wild ideas with my co-worker Kevin, and of course, making new friends as I get to know the wider ULethbridge community.

What's the best part of your job?
Along with everything mentioned in the previous question, I'm loving the variety and the ability to use my creativity and organization and teaching skills in a new way.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
 I do a lot of volunteering – for a local animal rescue as well as community, school and church organizations. I am fairly proficient at home DIY projects, we renovated the whole exterior of our home on our own a couple of years ago. I like gardening: flowers and veggies, and I make a mean dill pickle relish. As a family, we like to disc golf, play card and board games and socialize with extended family and friends at the lake or casual brunches and backyard BBQs.