August 17, 1999
(Education)

New college president and governors announced

Minister of Education Judy Foote announced today that Pamela Walsh has been appointed to serve as president of the College of the North Atlantic. In addition, the minister announced the appointment of seven new individuals who will join the existing members of the Board of Governors of the College of the North Atlantic.

The Board of Governors of the College of the North Atlantic established a search committee last fall to seek out potential candidates for the post of president. After a lengthy and extensive interview process the search committee, which was headed by the chair of the college's Board of Governors Dr. Vince Withers, recommended that Ms. Walsh be appointed college president for a term of five years.

Ms. Walsh brings considerable experience to the post having served previously as a director of programs for the College of the North Atlantic and as the former director of programs and academic services for Eastern College. She has 15 years teaching experience in the classroom and as a department head at the secondary level, as well as three years as an academic instructor at the post-secondary level. She holds a master's degree in education and two undergraduate degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Most recently Ms. Walsh served as assistant deputy minister for advanced studies in the Department of Education.

Ms. Walsh is succeeding Dr. Ron Sparkes, who has served as president for three years. Dr. Sparkes oversaw the transition from five regional colleges to one single provincial institution.

"In a few short years Dr. Sparkes has secured the reputation of College of the North Atlantic as a highly regarded post-secondary institution not only in this province but in this country. I thank Dr. Sparkes for his hard work and dedication to the college," said Minister Foote. "I also thank the retiring members of the college's Board of Governors for the years of service they have given to the provincial post-secondary system."

"The new appointees to the provincial board of governors bring a wealth of experience to their new responsibility," said Foote. They are:

Susan Adams, St. John's
Edward Delaney, Bay Roberts
Diane Hodge-Burt, Labrador City
Audrey Manning, Lumsden
Stanley Sparkes, Glovertown
Barbara Stone, Corner Brook
Michael Tobin, Stephenville

The College of the North Atlantic is the only public college in the province with 18 campus locations throughout the province. The college is committed to ensuring the delivery of quality programs to meet the existing and emerging needs of today's labour market. The focus of the College of the North Atlantic goes far beyond the traditional approaches to education and training and serves students of all ages and interests through full and part-time programs.

Media contact: Nancy Healey, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

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BIOGRAPHIES
NEW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
THE COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC

STANLEY B. SPARKES - is a resident of Glovertown and a former educator who has taught and served as an administrator in the secondary school system in the province. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts (Education) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has been an active volunteer in Glovertown and served as deputy mayor of the town.

DIANE HODGE-BURT - is a resident of Labrador City where she works as the office and accounts manager for Hodge Bros. Ltd., a family owned and operated transportation and freight handling business. She holds a post-secondary diploma from the District Vocational School in Goose Bay.

SUSAN J. ADAMS - is a resident of Grand Bank and works as a financial consultant. She is a chartered accountant and has Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her community service includes work with the Women's Enterprise Bureau, Planned Parenthood, the Joseph R. Smallwood Heritage Foundation and the Grand Bank Main Street Youth Centre.

BARBARA J. STONE - is a resident of Corner Brook and an instructor in the technology department of the Corner Brook campus of the College of the North Atlantic. She has a Bachelor of Vocational Education, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her background includes work in distance and internet education.

MICHAEL J. TOBIN - is a resident of Stephenville, and an educator at both the secondary and post-secondary system in the province. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Education) degree from Memorial University. He has served on many school-related boards and committees throughout the province. He is currently serving as a councillor with the town of Stephenville.

DR. AUDREY MANNING - is a resident of Lumsden where she works as a consultant. She graduated from the Salvation Army Grace Hospital as a nurse and later earned Baccalaureate degrees in philosophy, social development studies and religious studies. She also holds Master of Science (Human Services) and a Doctor of Philosophy. She is an active community volunteer and a published poet and writer.

EDWARD B. DELANEY - is a resident of Bay Roberts and a former educator. He worked as a school teacher and principal before becoming a school board administrator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts (Education) and a Masters in Education (Administration) from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

1999 08 17         4:00 p.m.