Kathy Bishop

Dr. Kathy Bishop serves as Associate Professor and Program Head for the Master of Arts in Leadership (Executive Leadership specialization) and Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership at Royal Roads University's School of Leadership Studies. Joining in 2013, she brings over 30 years of multidisciplinary leadership experience spanning counselling, social services, not-for-profit agencies, small business development, and adult education.

Her academic credentials include a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (Leadership and Applied Theatre) from the University of Victoria (2015) and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of British Columbia (1986). As a scholar-practitioner, she has maintained her own consulting business since 2000 and previously served as Executive Director of the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce and a youth-focused non-profit organization.

Dr. Bishop's research centers on values-based leadership, organizational culture change, and creativity, utilizing creative, experiential, participatory, nature-based, and transformative learning methods. Her work explores leadership development, online education, action-oriented research, and arts-based methodologies, with particular emphasis on ethical frameworks in applied theatre contexts.

Analysis of her publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward integrating arts-based approaches with leadership education, especially in online and collaborative environments. Key themes include mindfulness practices in business education, narrative métissage for community engagement, and ethical considerations in research-based theatre, demonstrating her commitment to innovative, experiential pedagogical models.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship Award (2013-14, University of Victoria)
• Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship Award (2012-13, University of Victoria)

Through her dual role as academic leader and active consultant, Dr. Bishop bridges theoretical scholarship with practical leadership development, having previously worked as a registered social worker and executive director for community organizations. Her professional journey reflects a continuous commitment to applying leadership principles across diverse social and organizational contexts.