Learning that Leads
NSCC President Joan McArthur-Blair and Chair of NSCC's Board of Governors, Sandra Greer.
Leadership takes vision. At NSCC, that vision is "Education without Boundaries" and it drives the work of the College and the people who power it.
It is a vision that demands flexibility, inclusiveness and ingenuity. It demands a dynamic blend of learning, service and work that taps into the unique potential of every learner.
NSCC President Joan McArthur-Blair understands that achieving Education without Boundaries has never been more important to improving Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life.
"With the demand for skilled workers on the rise and the province's population on the decline, packaging education in ways that meet the needs of today's citizen is a responsibility that lies squarely in the domain of community colleges," says Dr. McArthur-Blair. "NSCC meets learners where they are; whether that is online, at the work-site or in the classroom. Whether learners seek applied research opportunities, advanced diplomas, apprenticeships, high school diplomas or continuing education - NSCC is there. And we're working every day with government, communities, industry and other post-secondary institutions to expand that capacity."
That critical work is strongly supported by the volunteers who make up NSCC's Board of Governors.
Sandra Greer is Chair of NSCC's Board of Governors and CEO of Amirix, a Nova Scotian company that specializes in the design and manufacture of underwater acoustic transmitters and receivers used by marine biologists the world over to study marine life in its natural habitat. Ms. Greer deals first-hand with the daily pressure to stay competitive on the world-stage and she firmly believes more Nova Scotians will be able to take a meaningful place in the global economy because of their contact with NSCC.
"Engaging learners in their home communities, brokering unique solutions for Nova Scotia-based business and industry, conducting research that can be applied to emerging markets - these are essential to Nova Scotia's economic health and future prosperity," says Ms. Greer. "I'm proud to be playing a role in that future."
Leslie Malley, Branch Manager at RBC Wolfville, is a proud NSCC alumnus.
Chef Instructor Peter Dewar shares what he learns in world-class competitions.
Leadership at NSCC takes many forms - including NSCC alumnus Leslie Malley. She recently traded warm weather for winter boots when she moved from RBC's Sarasota, Florida offices to Wolfville, Nova Scotia for the opportunity to work as Branch Manager in her hometown.
Leslie graduated with honours from NSCC's Kingstec Campus in 1990 and immediately pursued a career in the finance industry. She credits her success to hard work, dedication to life-long learning and her education with NSCC. "The program at NSCC was fantastic," says Leslie. "It formed a great foundation for a career in banking."
Leslie looks forward to becoming an active NSCC alumnus so she can help inspire students to aim high, work hard and never stop learning.
Leaders are also found in NSCC's labs, shops and classrooms. Chef Instructor Peter Dewar is a prime example. He keeps his culinary skills sharp by participating in national competitions (and winning).
"I try to get students involved in these competitions as often as I can," says Peter. "They're so enthusiastic and it's a great chance to build confidence in the kitchen."
Peter also believes in keeping the skills he needs as an adult educator current. This year he graduated with 51 colleagues from the Community College Education Diploma program.
This mandatory program is unique to NSCC and an important part of our commitment to ensure faculty members continually improve and develop the skills they need to remain leaders in learning.
The Score:
86% of prospective Students, 89% of Employers and 84% of Nova Scotians agree NSCC is an important part of their communities.