Durham College President Don Lovisa signs new five-year contract

Following a very successful first term marked by significant achievement, strategic growth, community involvement and dedication to the student experience, the Durham College Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Don Lovisa will continue in his role as college president for a second five-year term, effective January 1 and running through to December 31, 2018.

“I am honoured and excited to serve another five years as president of Durham College and very proud of what we’ve accomplished together in my first term,” said Lovisa.  “Durham College has become a post-secondary destination of choice; our reputation has never been stronger and we’ve expanded and led the college system in growth and new program development.  I take pride in the direct, positive impact of Durham College on the social and economic well-being of Durham Region and the strong partnerships that we have developed with our community.”

Since assuming the role of president in 2008, the college has thrived under Lovisa’s leadership, realizing substantial growth in student enrolment, buildings, learning spaces and reputation, along with a stronger partnership with its campus partner, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), that has provided more opportunities for students than ever before. This includes a strong dedication to meeting the needs of all learners with the college welcoming more than 10,000 full-time, post-secondary and apprenticeship students in fall 2013, meeting its 2015 enrolment target of 10,000 students two years ahead of schedule.

The college also opened a new Student Services building at the Oshawa campus in March 2011; opened the Pickering Learning Site in September 2012; and undertook a three-phase expansion of the Whitby campus, resulting in the opening of the new Centre for Food in October 2013. Lovisa also demonstrated provincial leadership on student mobility as co-chair of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), increasing emphasis on offering students as many high-quality post-secondary options as possible and supporting continuous learning from apprenticeship to PhD. At Durham College, there are now more than 450 pathway opportunities with universities in Canada and around the world, many of which are with UOIT, and students of both institutions are moving between the two with greater frequency each year.

“Don has provided strong leadership for the college through a very successful first term, realizing strategic growth, academic excellence and success at every level,” said Ron Chatterton, chair, Durham College Board of Governors. “With an excellent team in place across campus, he is well-positioned to achieve further success in the years ahead as we prepare to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary. Please join me in congratulating him on a job well done and supporting him as he commences his new term.”

During his time as president the college also introduced a new strategic plan; launched a new academic vision and plan; is working toward the introduction of its first-ever baccalaureate degrees in 2015; and received millions of dollars in research funding to work on applied research initiatives with small- and medium-sized business designed to advance innovation and the economic well-being of the community.

In addition, Lovisa has remained focused on developing and maintaining strong community, industry and business partnerships with organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, Parkwood and DC @ Core21, including taking a leading role in the development and realization of the Durham Learning and Business Innovation Park. 

“As I look to the future, I see a college that will continue to innovate, transform, build and provide our students with new opportunities in helping them find even greater success,” added Lovisa.  “With our experienced and dedicated staff and faculty, Durham College is well-positioned for continued success and the delivery of the very best programs and services.”