A full circle career: from observing life under a microscope to shaping the future of Health Sciences at NLC
For some, the path to leadership is carefully charted out. For others, it unfolds naturally, one meaningful step at a time.
For Nicole Dahlen, now Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services at Northern Lights College, the journey began back in 1993 in a first-year biology lab. While becoming a dean wasn’t part of the original plan, the foundation she built at NLC helped shape a career grounded in community, care, and continuous learning.
The perfect prescription for leadership
Nicole started her post-secondary education at NLC, completing the first year of University Arts and Sciences before continuing her studies at what is now Thompson Rivers University. From there, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at UBC, graduating in 1998.
Her journey didn’t stop at clinical practice. After years as a pharmacist with Northern Health, Nicole took on regional leadership roles. She also continued her education, earning a Graduate Certificate in Health Systems Leadership. Later, she completed a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University.
Nicole became Associate Dean, Academic & Vocational Programs at NLC in 2021, and then transitioned to Dean, Health Sciences and Human Services in 2024.
Recently, she led a project called NLC Cares. This initiative focuses on expanding allied health programs at the certificate and diploma levels to support the healthcare system in Northern BC. She has now returned to her role as Dean.
Nicole has always been happy to embrace a new opportunity.
“Sometimes the best things are unplanned,” she explained.
Her time as an NLC student offered insights that continue to inform her leadership today.
“Having completed education years ago at NLC has allowed me to better understand the student journey and all the benefits of learning in a community college.”
A culture of collaboration and growth
As a leader at NLC, Nicole values the environment that makes the college special which includes “the diversity within our teams, the willingness to work together to grow and improve our programs, and a culture where hierarchy doesn’t get in the way of progress.”
It’s a culture rooted in connection; one she first experienced as a 17-year-old student stepping into a new chapter of life.
“I have great memories from my biology class in the Health Sciences Building lab (right down from my current office),” she shared.
“I was only 17 but made some new older friends in that class (Diane, Tara, and Dennis) who made my transition from high school to college much more enjoyable than I expected.”
Teaching beyond the textbook
One of the things that stood out to Nicole then, and still does today, is the warm, welcoming energy of the campus. The college has changed over the years, but the heart of NLC stays the same: approachable, skilled instructors who care about student success.
Nicole emphasizes the importance of that first year of college and how it can shape a student’s entire future.
“It is so very important your first year goes well,” she said. “Otherwise, it could turn students away from continuing on. I feel that NLC offers a great place for a smooth transition.”
Advice for future educators
To students considering a future in post-secondary work, Nicole offers some advice.
“If you love learning, growing, and being part of a larger vision for our community, this is the place for you.”
That spirit of mentorship and belonging was something she first experienced with her biology instructor, Don Cameron, a name that still brings a smile and a sense of gratitude.
Closing the circle of care and leadership
Now on the staff side, Nicole has a deeper appreciation for all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a college running.
“As a student I didn’t understand or appreciate all the work that goes into planning courses, programs, and services,” she said.
Today, as Dean, Nicole brings that understanding back to beginnings in the classroom, helping ensure that the next generation of students feel supported, welcomed, and ready to take their own next steps.
“I’m very grateful to be part of the NLC community,” she said, “and I don’t take that for granted.”
