Monday February 22, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
After a celebration of 50 years and operating by way of the last year of the college’s strategic plan, Sherri Bell will be retiring from her position as president of Camosun College at the end of 2021.
Bell will have served six years, almost two of those during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Camosun issued the news of Ms Bell’s retirement last week, on Thursday February 18.
Bell describes herself as a lifelong educator and leader, having started her career in 1981. Included in her career was being a teacher in Calgary, instructor and administrator at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, and providing leadership with the Ministry of Education in curriculum development. Prior to joining Camosun, Bell had spent almost 20 years in the Greater Victoria School District in various roles culminating as Superintendent/CEO.
“Sherri has worked tirelessly to ensure students get the best possibel education and support services no matter what the college was going through,” says Camosun Board Chair Monty Bryant.
Credited to President Bell’s leadership is a focus on student success, helping to build relationships that benefit the college, and exemplifying the college’s commitment to life-changing learning.
In addition to Bell’s leadership to launch a strategic plan, the college lists her three notable achievements as:
- expanding student services and supports as part of the new Student Experience Division;
- greater Indigenization throughout the college with a commitment to truth and reconciliation; and
- helping to advance the college’s work in applied research and innovation.
Camosun College experienced significant growth and expansion during Bell’s term as president, including the opening of the Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, the Babcock Canada Interaction Lab and the Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness.
The Camosun College board of governors is expected to shortly announced a search process to select a new president.
Camosun has two campuses in the Greater Victoria area — the Lansdowne Campus in Saanich and the Interurban Campus in the Burnside Road area.
