At Wednesday's Board of Governors meeting, Dr. Jan Lindsay announced her intention to retire as president of North Island College, effective May 31, 2013.
In announcing her decision, Lindsay stated, "While this decision has been prompted by my desire to spend time with our rapidly growing cadre of grandchildren, two born in the past 16 months and a third due October 20, I have mixed emotions because I very much enjoy working with our students and all the extremely talented individuals at North Island College and serving on the college Board of Governors. At the same time, I feel that in the four academic years I will have been at the college I will have accomplished all of my goals regarding enrolment growth, program diversification, expanded community, industry and post-secondary education partnerships, internationalization and applied research development that I held when I first came to the college."
In her statement to college staff Lindsay said, "North Island College has changed quite dramatically over the past three years and we can be very proud of all that we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing to work with you over the next eight months to accomplish the many things included in our plans for 2012/13 academic year."
Lindsay oversaw a number of important initiatives during her tenure as president, including:
Increasing the number of partnerships with regional, national and international post-secondary institutions, thereby expanding the learning opportunities for north island residents;
Achieving Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) eligibility, being successful in receiving a NSERC Innovation research grant, and establishing NIC's Centre for Natural Resource Education and Applied Research to engage with local industry to meet specific training and applied research needs;
Expanding the number of international students attending North Island College and the number of opportunities for domestic students to study abroad, thereby preparing students to work and thrive in the global economy;
Enhancing relationships with First Nations, through educational partnerships, which will see NIC deliver education and training in eight Aboriginal communities this academic year;
Signing a $2.75 million Health Education Partnership with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, which will support the development of specialized health programs on the north Island; and most importantly,
Expanding educational offerings with the development of a significant number of new programs and increased use of online and blended instruction, construction of new educational facilities, and significant facility upgrades at all campuses.
Bruce Calder, chair of the Board of Governors, announced that the board would begin the process of recruiting a new President immediately.
Calder added, "Dr. Lindsay's commitment to working with our students and communities to ascertain and respond to their education and training needs is to be commended. She provided dynamic and collaborative leadership during her tenure and the college has both grown and matured. We have been fortunate in having her commitment and dedication to the college and will miss her as part of the NIC team. I feel confident that the Strategic Plan and annual operational planning processes implemented through Jan's leadership will ensure the College continues to move forward in a very positive manner."
— North Island College