Biography

Having spent over three decades working in post-secondary education, Don Lovisa brings passion and expertise to his role as president of Durham College (DC), a position he has held for the past 15 years. An advocate for the college system and its ability to change lives through learning, both in and out of the classroom, Lovisa believes that the success of DC is premised on its dedication to students, employees and strong community connections.

Prior to taking on the role of president, Lovisa served as the college’s vice-president, Academic. During his tenure, DC has thrived, growing to more than 13,800 full-time, post-secondary and apprenticeship students and over 30,000 students in total, all of whom are supported by a talented team of more than 2,200 employees, dedicated to providing innovative, transformative educational experiences.

To support its exponential growth, the college has seen more than $303 million invested in new buildings and renovations since 2009. In addition to improving the campuses’ infrastructure, the college has also established six baccalaureate degree offerings under Lovisa’s leadership. DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship has generated millions of dollars in funding through five applied research centres to support local small- and medium-sized enterprises. These include the Durham College AI Hub, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed-Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub.

In 2021, DC launched The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, with a vision to become an internationally recognized hub of excellence in urban agricultural practices, research, education and training. As a proud supporter of this project, Lovisa is excited to build on DC’s immense successes with our post-secondary programs and urban farm and the potential to solve critical issues related to food access and security.

Lovisa takes great pride in the college’s leading reputation in the community and post-secondary industry at large. Named a Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 12 years and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for seven, DC has an annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region.

He has also received a number of awards, including the Business Achievement Award in 2011 from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, and the 2017 Business Person of the Year Award from the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Considered a leader within the college system, he currently serves as director on the Board of Colleges and Institutes Canada, is a member of the Black North Initiative’s Education Committee and past Chair of Colleges Ontario. He was also the founding co-chair of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer.

Lovisa holds a Master’s degree in International Management from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, a diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and has completed the course work for a PhD in Community College Leadership through the University of Toronto. In 2023, he completed the Institute of Corporate Directors – Directors Education Program.

As a lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Lovisa is proud to work alongside the DC community to lead the way.

Laura Barrett
Executive Assistant
Office of the President

905.721.2000 ext. 2252
laura.barrett@durhamcollege.ca