A message from David Atherton, dean, Academic and Liberal Studies:
It is with mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Joanne Bakker, who will be retiring on August 30, 2020 after 22 years with Niagara College. While we wish her the best in her new adventures, she will be truly missed by the College community.
Joanne started her NC journey in the late 1990s and has become an irreplaceable part of the NC team holding many roles over the years including faculty, coordinator, associate dean, and interim director. She is most well-known to the Academic & Liberal Studies Division for her numerous contributions as associate dean of Academic & Liberal Studies, associate dean of Academic Studies, and in her current position as associate dean, Workforce Development & Community Programs. In her latest role, Joanne has overseen Academic Upgrading, Part-Time Studies, Community Employment Services, and various funded projects.
Throughout her career, Joanne has always been willing to tackle new projects and programs and is best known for her partnerships within the college and the community. She will be greatly missed not only by her colleagues, but also by the community partners with whom she fostered positive relationships. Joanne has also always put students first with her caring and compassionate manner and exemplifies NC DNA, evident when she became the 2017 Award of Excellence – Administration winner.
Please join me in wishing Joanne all the best in her retirement and her future endeavours. We hope that in the future, we’ll be able to have an in-person celebration to honour Joanne’s career.
