Niagara College is mourning the loss if its third President, Jacqueline P. Robarts, who passed away November 9.
Robarts was a pioneer in Ontario’s postsecondary sector when she was appointed Niagara College President in 1978, becoming the first woman to lead a college in Ontario — a distinction she held until 1988. She served as NC president until 1990.
Born in Windsor, ON in 1929, Robarts graduated from the Hamilton Civic Hospitals School of Nursing in 1954 before moving on to the University of Toronto where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1961. She became Principal of the Osler School of Nursing in 1966, and moved to Humber College when it absorbed the Osler School. She was Vice President, Academic at Humber when she was hired as Niagara College President.
Over the course of her career, Robarts was instrumental in creating innovative administrative models for programs and systems in postsecondary education. She was an avid mentor and volunteer throughout her life – especially in support of women pursuing careers in education and healthcare. She stayed connected to Niagara College after her retirement, establishing the Jacqueline P. Robarts Scholarship Fund, which is awarded annually in support of female nursing students. In 2021, at age 91 and living with dementia, Robarts connected virtually with Niagara College Recreation Therapy students as part of a series of virtual meetings, where she shared her lifetime of experience, wisdom and advice.
“Jacqueline Robarts leaves a remarkable legacy of leadership, and she played an important role in Niagara College’s rich history, and in the lives of so many students and colleagues,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “In true NC fashion, she was a trailblazer with an unwavering commitment to students.”
College flags have been lowered in Robarts’s memory.
A service for Robarts will be held November 22 at the Pelham Funeral Home, 1292 Pelham St., Fonthill. Further details will be posted at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca. Donations in her memory can be made to the Jacqueline P. Robarts Scholarship Fund. Click here to donate.
The obituary for Robarts can be found here.
