GSA Announces President & CEO In Training

For Immediate Release: December 15, 2025

Waterloo, ON… The Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Duran as President & CEO for the period May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2028. Erin will serve as President & CEO in Training from January 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026, offering a structured transition period alongside current President & CEO, Taylor Coleman.

“Our Board is delighted to welcome Erin to the GSA. Through the search process, Erin demonstrated a grounded understanding of the realities facing graduate students, including rising financial pressures, changing sector expectations, and the increasing complexity of balancing academic, personal, and professional demands. His leadership approach reflects the values that guide our Association: belonging, creativity, service, integrity, transparency, compassion, and accountability. We believe Erin will help the GSA continue strengthening the systems of support students rely on, particularly as we deepen our work through a more holistic approach to student success.”
— Olena Kuntyj, Chair, GSA Board of Directors

Erin is completing a Master of Arts in Cultural Analysis & Social Theory at Laurier (anticipated June 2026). He holds a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from The Pennsylvania State University (2011) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Gender and Women’s Studies from Grinnell College (2009).

Across several institutions including the University of Kansas, Connecticut College, and Syracuse University, Erin has served in senior and progressive leadership roles focused on creating supportive campus environments, strengthening organizational structures, and championing belonging. His professional background includes student and employee advocacy, supervising full-time and student staff teams, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and facilitating educational initiatives rooted in community building and social justice.

In addition, Erin holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, bringing valuable experience that will further enhance the GSA’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and people-centered operations.

“The GSA’s commitment to ensuring meaningful support through informed decision making, community development, and the intentional inclusion of diverse perspectives is incredibly important for the future of graduate students at Laurier. The organization’s values-centered approach to advocacy resonates with me deeply and I am excited for all we will accomplish together.”
— Erin Duran, President & CEO in Training

“I am pleased to express my full support for Erin Duran as the next President of the Graduate Students’ Association. Erin brings deep sector experience, a mature and thoughtful executive leadership style, and a strong voice for our students. His commitment to sustaining meaningful relationships, expanding our network, and championing the GSA’s new strategic plan demonstrates a clear readiness to guide the organization into its next chapter. I have every confidence that Erin will lead with integrity, strategic focus, and an unwavering dedication to the success and well-being of Laurier’s Graduate Students.”
— Taylor Coleman, President & CEO

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