Learning as a family legacy: the McTavishes and education

Rooted in legacy and learning across generations, SFU's Faculty of Education has shaped many personal journeys. Few illustrate this continuity more clearly than the McTavish family.

It began with Robert McTavish Sr., one of SFU's charter students who joined the newly established Faculty of Education in its earliest days. His son, Robert McTavish Jr., would later return not only as a student but as a long-serving leader in the Faculty.  

The family's connection also extends through Dr. Cher Hill, McTavish Jr.'s wife and a member of the Faculty of Education, whose research and community-engaged work have contributed to its culture of innovation. To this date, the story continues with their daughter Katie, now an SFU student and the third generation of the McTavish family connected to the university. 

To explore this remarkable generational connection, the SFU Education team connected with the McTavish family in a series of interviews, to learn how their shared experiences at SFU have shaped a six-decade family legacy within the institution.

From SFU’s earliest days 

McTavish Sr. entered SFU when the Academic Quadrangle was still only half complete, joining the newly established Faculty of Education to pursue teacher training. 

Married and carrying family responsibilities, McTavish had limited social interaction on campus, yet he recalls enjoying most of his classes. He remembers, with particular fondness, his mathematics and physical education professors, whose teaching left a positive impression.

After completing his program and receiving his degree from SFU's Faculty of Education, McTavish went on to what he describes as a "successful teaching career."

But the McTavish family's connection to SFU did not end there. His son, Robert McTavish Jr., followed in his footsteps, beginning as a BA student at SFU and later completing both his MA and PhD in SFU’s Faculty of Education. McTavish Jr. went on to build a distinguished career at the same Faculty spanning more than 25 years, serving in several key leadership roles including Program Director and Associate Dean.

In his written reflection shared with the SFU Education team, the elder McTavish expresses immense pride in his son's academic and professional achievements at SFU. Recently departing the Faculty of Education, McTavish Jr. now serves as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, carrying forward a wealth of experience and many cherished memories from his long journey within SFU's Faculty of Education.

In the conversation with the SFU Education Team, McTavish Jr. reflects on the connections and experiences his family has shared with SFU across generations (adapted for length):

Q: You've witnessed SFU evolve over decades — as a student and as a senior leader. How have the campus and Faculty spaces transformed, and what changes have most impressed you? 

A: The development of UniverCity created a residential community that shares the space with the academic community, it was truly transformative for the campus at large. When SFU decided to open a downtown campus, no other universities were present in Vancouver. The vision was led by Jack Blaney, the first Dean I worked with at SFU. 

As a student, I took as many classes as possible at SFU Vancouver because I loved the downtown vibe. Later, as Associate Dean of Lifelong Learning, it felt like a full-circle moment to help plan and deliver classes on that same campus. 

Q: From your time as Program Director and later as Associate Dean, what program developments or initiatives are you most proud to have been part of?

A: The Mature Learner Program, which was called SFU NOW (Nights or Weekends) was set up by Dr. Yvonne Tabin before I took it over from her when she became Dean. This access program provided a pathway for working students who may have started their post-secondary studies but had never been able to complete their studies due to work or family obligations.

Many students had left university because they had met with various challenges and perhaps thought they could never complete an undergraduate degree. I thoroughly enjoyed advocating for these students to be re-admitted and find other pathways back to university and then to see them realize they could be successful in their studies.

As a Senator I loved sitting on stage and congratulating students I had worked with as they crossed the stage. Often these students would have their families in attendance and to see the pride everyone had were moments I will never forget.

Q: The Faculty of Education has often been at the forefront of educational innovation. What examples come to mind from your years of leadership — whether in curriculum design, teacher education, or community partnerships? 

A: SFU has been fortunate to have many leaders in education and pedagogy. The Faculty's innovations from community-based programs to field graduate initiatives have influenced practices across other institutions. The faculty spent countless hours working directly with schools and communities, supporting teachers and students often without public recognition. 

Dr. Hill's research, which supported a collaborative school mural created with a Katzie elder, students, and an Indigenous artist, connecting students to local histories and the land. 

I was also fortunate to work with colleagues on several international projects. Conversations with Dr. Allan MacKinnon and our international partners often challenged me to reflect on our own assumptions and practices at SFU, shaping and strengthening my professional approach. 

Q: You've worked closely with many colleagues, students, and leaders over the years. Who or what has most shaped your own professional philosophy?

A: Two former Directors and Deans, Dr. Joan Collinge and Dr. Yvonne Tabin, both SFU FoE alumni, mentored me throughout my career. From my early days as a student helper supporting technology to roles as Technology Planning and Development Coordinator, Program Director, Director, and Associate Dean, their guidance shaped my path.

Q: How do you think the Faculty of Education's work has influenced BC's broader education system during your tenure? 

A: The Faculty of Education has often pushed the boundaries of research, sometimes challenging school administrators to step outside their comfort zones. While there can be a gap between the "ivory tower" of academia and classroom practice, SFU faculty members are deeply engaged in schools, creating a strong connection between research, application, and practice. 

Teachers rarely have the time to step back and reflect on their work as they navigate the daily demands of the classroom. When faculty members collaborate closely with schools, they help create space for this reflection, offering guidance and support in the process. Ultimately, this benefits not only teachers but the students they serve.Teachers rarely have the time to step back and reflect on their work as they navigate the daily demands of the classroom. When faculty members collaborate closely with schools, they help create space for this reflection, offering guidance and support in the process. Ultimately, this benefits not only teachers but the students they serve.

Q: What does it mean to you personally to see your family's multi-generational connection to SFU continue?  

A: I'm incredibly proud that our eldest daughter, Katie, is now attending SFU as a third-generation McTavish. Having grown up around the campus, she feels a strong connection to the university, especially knowing her grandfather was there from the very beginning nearly 60 years ago.

Q: Having seen SFU from so many perspectives, student, faculty, and leader, how would you describe the core philosophy or "spirit" of the Faculty of Education? 

A: FoE at SFU has always meant community to me. It was incredible to have been a student and gotten to know faculty and staff, and then to work with them. I wore my degrees as badges of honour, with incredible pride knowing that people recognized a PhD from the FoE at SFU as being an incredible accomplishment.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

A: My journey at SFU would not have been possible without the support of my family. Balancing international projects, academic work, and raising young children during my PhD years was challenging, and their support made it possible for me to finish.