Durham College (DC) is pleased to share that its president, Don Lovisa, has been named chair of Colleges Ontario, an advocacy organization for the province’s 24 colleges.

“Don’s passionate commitment to students and his drive to innovate will advance college education in this province,” said Linda Franklin, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “He’ll play a strong role in producing the best possible college system for the rapidly changing economy.”

As chair, Lovisa will serve a two-year term overseeing the college sector’s Committee of Presidents. Comprised of one representative from each of Ontario’s colleges, the committee is responsible for a wide range of decisions affecting research, advocacy, communications and marketing, and more. Its focus will be on providing quality education to prepare students for today’s in-demand careers, as well as assisting with the expansion and development of career-specific college degree programs, much like DC’s new Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

“In an environment of mass change, automation and technological disruption, it is essential that more people have access to a high-quality, skills-focused post-secondary,” Lovisa said. “The colleges’ entrepreneurial approach and expertise in experiential learning can ensure Ontario is at the forefront of the new economy.”

Lovisa is no stranger to leadership, having served as the founding co-chair of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer and chair of Colleges Ontario’s 50th anniversary task force. He was also one of the driving forces behind the Idea Summit, a conference bringing together local business leaders to discuss strategies for creating jobs and stimulating local investment, as well as establishing an Innovation Hub in the Durham Region.

The DC community offers its support and congratulations on this impactful achievement.