Cambrian College has a new president.
The Sudbury school announced on April 28 it has appointed Bill Best, who has worked in higher education for more than 20 years. Best succeeds interim president Sonia Del Missier, effective Aug. 5.
“Bill brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the role,” Eric Kohtakangas, chair of the College’s board of governors, said in a news release.
“He has a strong academic background, is a seasoned senior administrator, and has sound business acumen. Under his guidance, we are confident that Cambrian will be well-positioned for future growth as we approach our 50th year in the Ontario college system.”
Best has served at New Brunswick Community College in Fredericton as vice-president of finance and administration, vice-president of academic and student development, and interim president and CEO.
The new president praised the school’s focus on its students, its strong faculty core and its emphasis on innovation.
“I am looking forward to engaging the college in a strategic planning process that will lead to evolutionary growth for the organization and the communities that it supports,” he said. “My key priorities will be to foster a dynamic learning environment, to strengthen our strategic partnerships, and to work with our community partners to contribute to the socio-economic growth of Northern Ontario.”
In 2012, Sylvia Barnard announced her resignation after 10 years in the president’s position. Peter Lawlor succeeded her in 2013, but resigned due to personal reasons after only a few months on the job.
