ATHABASCA - Dr. Neil Fassina, who has been president of Athabasca University (AU) since 2016, will soon be taking over as president of Okanagan College (OC), according to a media release from the college.
Fassina will take over the new role, in the new province, April 1, 2021, after outgoing OC president Jim Hamilton retires next year after 17 years leading that organization, leaving AU seeking a leader.
“Dr. Fassina has an impressive curriculum vitae that speaks to innovation, growth and — most critically — the importance of student support and success,” said Gloria Morgan, chair of OC’s board of governors.
As president of AU, Fassina has been a strong advocate for accessible and flexible lifelong learning, enabling adult learners to improve their lives and their communities by filling in the gaps where they could not attend brick and mortar schools.
“You couldn't help but admire the mission that (AU) had passed – still there (and) hasn't changed in 50 years – the ability to systematically dismantle barriers between a learner and their learning objectives," Fassina said in a 2019 interview with the Athabasca Advocate. “Our goal is to be able to open doors to the success in higher education.”
Fassina's time at AU has been marked by significant growth and development, but was not without its controversies either — notably, relentless speculations from residents accusing the university of abandoning the town, and recent labour disagreements with the Athabasca University Faculty Association (AUFA).
Fassina said in the media release he looks forward to taking on the challenge when he takes the helm of the southern B.C. college next April, whose largest campus is in Kelowna, with others in Penticton, Vernon and Salmon Arm.
“I know that Okanagan College is an outstanding success story among Canadian post-secondaries,” said Fassina. “The values and approach that have fueled such success were among the influences that convinced me that serving as president will allow me to join its remarkable cadre of team members and continue to grow our reputation as an institution driving social, cultural and economic development for the region, the province, and the country.”
Fassina also noted his family is looking forward to the move, as he takes on this new role.
“As a family who appreciates the outdoors, wake surfing, wine country, fishing, and running, my entire family is looking forward to settling in,” Fassina said. “More importantly, however, I am eager to hit the ground listening and learn how my experiences can further enable the interests of the college, its students and the many communities it serves.”
Fassina's office declined an interview at this time, but was open to one closer to the date of his departure.
Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @HLSox
