Virgin Radio host and Communication alumnus Nira Arora named Adjunct Professor

The School of Communication at Simon Fraser University is proud to announce Nira Arora as an Adjunct Professor.

Arora graduated from the School of Communication in 1999 and has since gone on to have an illustrious career in media production, most notably as an Executive Producer at Bell Media and on-air host of Holly and Nira at Virgin Radio. As the outgoing host of Virgin Radio’s morning show for over 20 years, she is best known for her quirky sense of humor and no-fear based opinions.

Her personal mantra is to “work hard, play hard, give back”, which is evidenced by her career accomplishments, advocacy, and involvement with her communities. She is focused on making an impact locally, a contributing factor to why she has been working in local radio since 2002 and the media scene since 1996.

Arora has deepened her connection to the School as an alumnus and gave her first guest lecture earlier this year on March 3rd, when she discussed “The Art of Storytelling and Personal Platform Power”. With this new role, Arora will continue to share her knowledge and expertise with students through more guest lectures.

“I’m absolutely excited and elated to be in this position at Simon Fraser University. This appointment is a true honor. I feel a sense of pride to be back on my graduation stomping grounds,” says Arora.

“It’s a full circle moment in my life—receiving a bachelor’s of communications and being able to come back and share my experiences in the field is a dream come true!”

During her time as a student, Arora enjoyed being able to intertwine different courses and areas into her thinking, including women’s studies, political science, criminology and more, while also focusing on helping her communities. She completed field work at the Willingdon Youth Detention Centre, where she talked to youth about the importance of integration barriers and multiculturalism. She also completed a directed study with School of Communication professor Martin Laba on AIDS awareness education in developing countries. Through her time in the School, Arora believes that she developed her critical thinking skills, something that she believes is crucial today.

“Critical thinking is as important today as ever, it’s one of the skills we’re losing very quickly as a society when it comes to communication. As smart as smart phones are they’re nullifying our communication skills,” says Arora.

Want to hear more from Nira Arora? Come attend her guest lecture in the School of Communication, coming in Spring 2026!