Since joining Niagara College in September 2024, Katrina Frausel has built a reputation as an authentic leader whose style is grounded in trust, compassion and connection.
As Academic Portfolio Manager with the Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) program, Katrina is part of a team that supports the success of students with intellectual disabilities and significant learning challenges. She coordinates day-to-day operations for the program, provides strategic feedback and recommendations, and liaises with students to address concerns, academic progress, and student success strategies.
Katrina is also a passionate ambassador for the program, building community partnerships and strengthening recruitment and retention. She collaborates regularly with NC’s Student Recruitment team to ensure that prospective students receive thoughtful and personalized attention and is actively involved in initiatives that contribute to both student success and enrolment growth in the CICE program.
In recognition of her dedication, Katrina was presented with NC’s 2025 Niagara Champion Award at an employee celebration last December. The annual award recognizes staff or faculty who go above and beyond in supporting student recruitment, while fostering a positive and inclusive campus environment.
Learn more about Katrina and her work below.
What does it mean to you to be recognized by your colleagues and the College with this award?
KF: I feel incredibly grateful. I am inspired by the many people I work with across the college and within the community that care so deeply about the student experience from recruitment right through to graduation. There is so much good work being done in the college and the community, and the opportunity to connect and collaborate with these professionals to enhance our student experience is an honour.
How do CICE students experience NC Life?
KF: The experiential learning opportunities offered through our program and the college are really valuable opportunities for students. Through simulated, scenario-based learning, our students are able to strengthen their skills, and they also get the opportunity to explore their interests in other programs and courses offered at the college. Every week, students are excited to update me on what they’ve learned in their academic experience courses, and that’s thanks to the amazing academic programs and faculty we have on this campus who go above and beyond for our students.
The NC environment is welcoming and inclusive, which gives our students the confidence to participate in many different opportunities. We’ve had students involved in intramurals and drop-in activities with Athletics, get a summer job with the greenhouse and Benchmark, go on Be World Ready trips, volunteer with our NC events team, build friendships in residence, and engage in the events put on through NCSAC and Student Engagement. While the skills our students develop through the program and the co-op experiences they have set them up for their future pathways, it’s important to our team that they enjoy college life and build a community around them while they’re with us. That’s the draw of NC Life!
You are known for cultivating an environment where students feel supported, respected and empowered. How do you build trust with students and help them succeed?
KF: For me, the relationship building with students begins from the moment they reach out to inquire about our program, whether that’s via email, a tour, an information session, Open House, or their admission interview. It’s important to me to hear from every prospective student about what their ideal NC journey looks like and continue to carry that throughout their time with us.
Our students are the highlight of my own NC journey, and I strive to ensure that they always feel heard and seen. I have an open-door policy with our students and dedicate time to being present in my conversations with them. Throughout my career, I have learned that there is so much that the individuals we support can teach us. It is a genuine privilege to be able to learn from our students every day and hear their highlights, challenges, resilience, and successes, as they navigate their post-secondary journeys.
What is most rewarding about being part of the CICE program team?
KF: The growth in our students from admissions to graduation is so rewarding. Through the hard work put in through the CICE team, and the students’ dedication to learning and growing through our program, it’s impactful to celebrate their growth, and what their accomplishments mean to each and every one of them.
One of the strengths of the CICE program is supporting students who have varying goals. Some of our students join us as a transitional step before moving into another NC program or to gain valuable employment and volunteer skills, while some join us to get the full college experience. No matter what their goals are, we celebrate every win with them.
