Former Fanshawe College Academic Vice-President Honoured by Board of Governors

Joy Warkentin, recently retired Fanshawe College Senior Vice-President, Academic, has been honoured with the designation Vice-President, Emeritus. This is the first time the College's Board of Governors has bestowed this distinction.

The Emeritus status recognizes retired staff who have pursued and demonstrated outstanding academic contributions and excellence in service to Fanshawe College and the community. Fanshawe College President Howard Rundle praised Ms. Warkentin. "In her extraordinary 40 year career, Joy always put students first. Her wisdom has been and will remain one of Fanshawe College's strengths."

Ms. Warkentin established a noteworthy record of leadership in Ontario and across Canada, while advancing the Province's college and health care systems. Her dedicated and insightful leadership led to dramatic increases in KPI results (provincial Key Performance Indicators for colleges), graduation rates and academic standards. Under her guidance, Fanshawe College also developed its first academic plan, established student success advisors in every faculty, made research a priority and added innovative new programs.

Board Chair, Frank Highley, remarked, "Joy Warkentin's contributions to Fanshawe College and its students over the many years she served here were remarkable. She is truly deserving of this, the first Emeritus designation granted by the College."

Ms. Warkentin was also recently honoured with:

• 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario's Women of Excellence Honouree, in the category of Education, Training and Development.
  
  
• Fifth annual Minister's Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2009, for her significant contributions to Ontario's college system throughout her career.
  
  
• Honorary Applied Degree from Fanshawe College in November 2008, recognizing her significant contribution to society, applied education and promotion of the College's image and reputation.

Ms. Warkentin stated, "I loved my time at Fanshawe and feel humbled to have received this designation. I am thankful to Dr. Rundle and the Board of Governors for honouring me and my contribution to Fanshawe in this way, and I hope to have close ties to Fanshawe and its wonderful staff for many years."

Dr. Rundle added, "This honour is a fitting tribute to an educator and administrator whose exemplary career has left an enduring legacy across our entire country."