As we look ahead to next week and the start of our Fall 2020 academic term, I am writing to provide an update to my previous message regarding organizational changes that take effect September 1.
I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Steve Hudson, who begins his retirement tomorrow after 20 years of service on the Executive Team at Niagara College. We are so fortunate to have worked with Steve, whose innovative spirit is felt throughout our campuses, as Steve’s work has touched nearly every department and major initiative of the past two decades. I know you all join me in wishing Steve well, and that you will add your greetings and well wishes on his retirement celebration site here.
I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work of Dave Taylor, and to thank him for stepping into the role as interim senior vice president, International in February, when I was appointed president. Dave retired from NC in August 2019 after three decades of service as a faculty member, dean, and associate vice president, and I am truly grateful for his leadership of the International division during this transitional period.
As previously announced, beginning tomorrow, our streamlined executive team consists of four vice presidents and one senior vice president, all reporting directly to me:
- Fiona Allan is vice president, Academic, leading our academic schools and the Centre for Academic Excellence as we adapt to the challenges in the current environment. Fiona will also temporarily act as the interim director, Centre for Academic Excellence, while a search process for this vacancy takes place.
- Dr. Marc Nantel is vice president, Research and External Relations, leading our Research and Innovation division, the Canadian Cannabis Institute, the Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation (NCLEC) and Development and Alumni Relations.
- The vice president, International, and vice president, Student Success positions – originally scheduled to begin this Fall – will be delayed until early 2021, as part of our budget recalibration strategy. In the interim, Athletics and Recreation, Enrolment and Registration Services, Marketing & Recruitment, Student Services, and International will all report directly to me. Sean Coote will take on the role of interim director, Global Education and Partnerships, following Dr. Justin Williams’ move to the position of dean, Business and Tourism.
- Pam Skinner is senior vice president, College Operations, and continues to have responsibility for Financial Services, Human Resources, Campus Safety, Information Technology Services and Facilities Management Services, along with Corporate Communications.
An updated organizational chart depicting these changes can be found here.
While the start of this term is different than any other, with many students, faculty and staff learning and working remotely, our excitement to launch the new academic year is unchanged. We are welcoming, passionate, and trailblazing, and it is precisely this NC DNA that makes Niagara College such a special place to learn, train, and grow. I know these past months have been challenging as we adjusted to the new realities that COVID-19 has created around the world, but I also know that Niagara College always rises to a challenge, and it is our collective determination and dedication to student success that sees us through. I hope you will take energy and inspiration from our students and from each other as we always do, at the start of this Fall term, as we move ahead and welcome a new cohort of students who have chosen NC as the place to fulfill their dreams.
