Tim Taylor authored this feature piece on retiring Niagara College President Dr. Dan Patterson, who will end his 25-year tenure leading the College and putting students first at the end of June, 2020.
Taylor writes about “Dr. Dan’s” life, career, and his ethos as NC’s “tenacious” leader and strongest advocate.
Taylor describes Patterson as always seeking ways to make the College better, from the day he stepped into the role as President. From advocating for the College at the highest levels of government to finding creative partnerships with industry, Patterson’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of NC’s existence.
Chair of the Board of Governors, John Scott, credits Patterson’s tenacity for saving the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus from funding cuts during its early conception, convincing former premier Mike Harris to visit the old Welland Vale campus to see how much the College needed the funding.
Intercollegiate Athletics coordinator, Ray Sarkis, explains how Patterson took action to make NC’s athletic facilities among the best in Canada.
In his interview with Taylor, Patterson credits his success to his parents, his high school teachers, and his wife Saundra, who he describes as his “strongest” and “first mentor.”
Patterson describes himself as the “Energizer Bunny of the college scene,” and his energy and passion for education will be devoted to new projects following his departure from the College. He is incoming chair of the Ontario Centres of Excellence, will continue to work with Colleges and Institutes Canada, and will serve as a mentor for new college leaders across Canada.
Patterson leaves the College at the top of his game, while NC is being led by a great time and is in good financial shape.
