New Camosun president ready to face challenges ahead
Tears may not have flowed from the eyes of many Camosun College students when former president Liz Ashton announced her retirement last semester. But it can’t be denied that Ashton had a significant impact on the college and its direction for many years. Now taking over the master controls of college administration is incoming president Kathryn Laurin.
Laurin officially became the college’s new president on Sept. 1 and is eager to make her mark on Camosun. She has been busy calculating the important and immediate topics she will be facing.
“The economy and ensuing challenges to the postsecondary sector will be an important issue,” says Laurin. “Camosun will need to continue to build on strengths, seize opportunities, remain competitive, and ensure that we remain relevant and financially stable. And, most importantly, focus on quality programs.”
Laurin is an experienced college administrator and served as president of Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, NS until she resigned to join Camosun College.
Laurin believes she’s a good fit with Camosun and its commitment to open learning.
“I am passionate about the concept of accessible postsecondary education for learners of all ages and demographics, and the community at Camosun is focused on transforming lives and providing opportunities,” says Laurin. “There is tremendous pride of place here and faculty and staff are committed to their vocation. I feel that I am fortunate to have the opportunity of assisting with that mission.”
With a background in the arts and a degree in music, Laurin brings many different personal passions to Camosun’s administration. And she has already impressed students during her short time at the college.
“[Laurin] seems sincere as well as approachable; she fully participated in Camfest, and even came by our Lansdowne beverage garden,” says Michel Turcotte, Camosun College Student Society director of operations and Interurban student rep on the college’s board of governors. “In addition, she wishes to meet with the student society on a regular basis which will help to ensure a good relationship in the future,” says Turcotte.
Past president Ashton was a sports enthusiast and focused many of the college’s recent resources on the building of the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence and the creation of many athletic-based diploma programs.
But Laurin has no immediate plans to reverse this direction and focus on arts programs. “Any shift in priorities for the college would come from a thorough examination of strengths and opportunities and would be in alignment with the Strategic Plan and identified goals,” says Laurin.
With the first three weeks on the job involving endless stretches of handshakes and introductions, Laurin has yet to settle in, but has enjoyed the job so far.
“My experiences to date have been wonderful. The students, faculty, staff, and board of governors have been extremely warm and welcoming,” she says.
The new president is also hoping that she can strengthen the administration’s bond with the students of Camosun.
“I would like the students to know that I am committed to providing them with an outstanding educational experience; that I care and will support them whenever I can; and that I will listen and respond respectfully and enthusiastically,” says Laurin.
Laurin is also an avid golfer and loves great wine, so maybe students will see her in the Dunlop House Pub from time to time.
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