I am writing to provide an update on the Vice President, Students position.
I want to express my utmost gratitude to Dorita Pentesco, Senior Director, Marketing and Recruitment, for serving as Interim Vice President, Student Affairs over the last five months. During her time in this interim role, Dorita has provided outstanding leadership to the Student Affairs division and she has made significant and insightful contributions to our executive team.
I am also very pleased to announce that Dr. Chris McGrath, EdD, will join Niagara College later this month as Vice President, Students. Chris brings 20 years of leadership experience and a strong dedication to broadening access and inclusion in postsecondary education to our executive team.
Chris has worked in senior roles in public and private postsecondary institutions in Canada and the United States, most recently as Vice-President, Students and Senior Student Success Officer at George Brown College. He has also held leadership roles at Simon Fraser University, the University of Toronto, Seneca College and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Chris also teaches graduate courses in education at Royal Roads University and York University, where the focus of his teaching is on higher education quality, policy, and student experience.
As Vice President, Students, Chris will lead the Athletics and Student Engagement, Enrolment Services, Marketing and Recruitment and Planning and Institutional Research (PaIR) and Student Services teams. I look forward to Chris’s leadership in advancing key elements of our Strategic Plan and Master Plan, including initiatives that enhance a wholistic student experience, support social inclusion, and advance our work with students and Indigenous partners to respond to, and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Chris will also lead the ongoing development of mental health and wellness strategies, support a renewed focus on domestic enrolment and he will play a key role in advancing our expansion of on-campus housing.
Chris holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Western University, a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Vermont, and a bachelor’s degree in French studies from the University of Waterloo.
He brings extensive community and professional engagement to his new role, having served on the boards of national and local non-profit organizations, including those striving to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth, people living with HIV/AIDS, and youth experiencing mental illness. He is a public appointee to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and is also a designated minister with the Clergy Support Memorial Church, through which he celebrates non-denominational and inclusive wedding ceremonies.
I hope you will join me in extending a warm Niagara College welcome to Dr. Chris McGrath as he joins our team on February 26.
