College of New Caledonia president Henry Reiser will retire when his five-year term ends in June 2019.
Reiser made the announcement Friday at the first board meeting of the 2018/19 year. He has been president since 2014.
“My academic career has been extremely rewarding, and retiring wasn’t an easy decision to make, as I’ve truly enjoyed my time at CNC,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from employees, students, the Board of Governors, donors, government and private sector partners, and my tremendous leadership team. The past four years have been a collective effort of all employees working towards a strategic direction with primary focus on student success. This is truly what CNC is known for and I’m so proud to be a part of that.”
Reiser will stay for his full term.
“With the fiftieth anniversary of the college less than one school year away, there is so much more on the horizon,” he said. “The college is working towards a new look, new website and new programs and infrastructure developments like our Aboriginal Housing initiative—lots to look forward to in the upcoming year, and I am thrilled to continue to be a part of it.”
The Board of Governors will establish a search process in the upcoming months and in well-established practice, will include members of the college community. The college anticipates having a new president in place by September 2019.
“President Reiser has fulfilled an ambitious mandate over the past few years,” said Gil Malfair, College of New Caledonia Board of Governors Chair. “His leadership has resulted in three consecutive growth budgets and expansions in both programming and infrastructure. Henry’s experience in developing international partnerships has also helped grow the College’s reputation world-wide. But the biggest impact of his leadership has benefitted northern BC students in rural and remote locations who now have access to an ever-expanding range of courses delivered by DDI.”
Over the past four years, more than $45 million has been invested into new buildings and redevelopment at CNC’s six campuses. Programming highlights include the announcement of Civil Engineering technology in spring 2018 and the first intake of the college’s sonography program, beginning classes in January 2019—only the second sonography program available in the province.
Reiser’s clear vision to use innovation to expand CNC’s educational offerings to rural and remote communities using Digital Delivery Instruction came with it the opportunity for programs to be offered in real-time to students in communities where low enrolment historically meant the cancellation of classes. Since the 2016 fiscal year, DDI has experienced a 66 per cent increase in participation, a 95 percent increase in registrations and a 133 per cent increase in course section offerings.
Reiser has been captivated by northern B.C. and looks forward to retiring in Prince George on an acreage, fishing, hunting, travelling and volunteering on projects where he can give back to the community.