Further to the announcement of Steve Hudson’s retirement at the end of August, I am writing to provide an update on changes to our executive team, which will take effect September 1.
While we find ourselves in a challenging situation that we couldn’t have anticipated when I assumed the presidency earlier this year, my commitment to the long-term vision for our college that I shared with you in early January has not changed, nor have the three priority areas on which that vision is built: student experience; academic excellence and innovation; and partnerships – locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. These key areas of focus become even more important as we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and they guide the changes that I am announcing today.
The current environment also requires a lean, effective executive team that can help us navigate through the fiscal challenges we’ll face in the short-to-medium term, while providing the strategic, forward-thinking leadership that will position us to thrive in the rebound that lies ahead.
The current executive team includes three senior vice presidents, a vice president and two associate vice president positions. This will be streamlined to four vice presidents, and one senior vice president:
- Fiona Allan will assume the role of vice president, Academic, leading our academic schools and the Centre for Academic Excellence as we adapt to the challenges in the current environment. As the country moves into a period of economic recovery, Niagara College will play a pivotal role in the rebound of our local economy. The Academic division will build on our strengths in academic quality, and the development of new, responsive and innovative academic programs. In her 20 years with Niagara College, Fiona has held the positions of professor and program coordinator in ESL, chair of English Language programs, director of Workforce Development, dean of Academic and Liberal Studies, and most recently associate vice president, Academic. She also provided academic leadership to our capacity-building project at Madinah College of Technology for Women in Saudi Arabia, and as the founding campus principal of our female campuses in Al Ahsa and Al Majma’ah.
- Marc Nantel will take on the expanded role of vice president, Research and External Relations, reporting directly to me. Marc will oversee the Research and Innovation division, the Canadian Cannabis Institute, the Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation (NCLEC) and Development and Alumni Relations. This new role leverages Marc’s strong connections with government, employers and the community as we seek to strengthen these partnerships, integrating our college-wide outreach activities into one portfolio. In his nine years at the College, Marc has held the positions of associate vice president of Research and Innovation, and most recently vice president, Research, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives.
- The position of senior vice president, International will become vice president, International, and recruitment will commence immediately for this important role, which leads our international recruitment, enrolment, student services, and School of English Language Studies; program development and delivery around the world through Global Education & Partnerships; and Niagara College KSA. I would like to extend thanks to Dave Taylor, who continues to provide leadership to the International division as interim senior vice president.
- Recruitment will also commence immediately for the new position of vice president, Student Success, whose focus will be to build on the Niagara College student experience that is our competitive advantage; a holistic experience that helps our students grow academically and in their lives, inside and outside the classroom. This new division will include Enrolment and Registration Services, Student Services, Marketing and Recruitment and Athletics and Recreation. This role will also liaise with our Student Administrative Council as we continue to foster a strong relationship with our student leaders.
- Pam Skinner will assume the title of senior vice president, College Operations, and she will continue to have responsibility for Financial Services, Human Resources, Campus Safety, Information Technology Services and Facilities Management Services. As of September 1, the Corporate Communications department moves to College Operations, reporting directly to Pam.
I would like to extend my thanks once again to Steve Hudson, who will continue to lead the Academic and Learner Services division until the end of August, while also lending his skills and expertise to strategic capital projects in anticipation of requests for “shovel-ready” projects from the federal government.
Please join me in congratulating Fiona and Marc, as they prepare to take on these new responsibilities in September. I look forward to providing updates on the vice president International, and vice president, Student Success positions in late summer.
