Durham College Board Chair Dr. Gail Johnson Morris announced that Dr. Elaine Popp has been appointed Durham College’s (DC) next President.
Dr. Popp’s term begins on coming March 1, and follows the conclusion of current president, Don Lovisa’s tenure.
Following an extensive executive search and rigorous selection process, the DC Board of Governors unanimously endorsed Dr. Popp’s appointment as its sixth president., said a DC statement.
“Dr. Popp is an impactful, proven and strategic post-secondary leader; her skills, knowledge and experience will continue to drive innovative programming and build on DC’s strong best-in-class reputation,” said Dr. Johnson Morris. “During her tenure as our Executive Vice President, Academic, Dr. Popp’s innovative and creative solutions have ensured that Durham College’s students have rich opportunities for experiential learning while also strengthening industry partnerships. Her results demonstrate that she is the ideal leader for Durham College.”
With more than 24 years of successful and progressive post-secondary sector experience in Ontario, Dr. Popp has led DC’s core teaching and learning business as Executive Vice President, Academic, for eight years. During this time, she has repeatedly demonstrated her passion for student success and her rare ability to leverage higher education’s emergent trends to create relevant programming that meets student needs and anticipates industry expectations, the statement said.
She, with her teams:
- Launched 50 new cutting-edge academic programs, including the college’s six applied degree programs;
- Introduced new work-integrated learning opportunities by adding co-op or work terms to 30 programs;
- Established five applied research centres supporting DC’s recognition as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges;
- Demonstrated DC’s dedication to quality assurance during our most recent College Quality Assurance Audit Process, where DC was awarded the highest result possible; and
- Thoughtfully and responsibly increased domestic and international student enrolment.
“I am incredibly honoured and excited to have the privilege of serving as DC’s next President. I am passionately invested in the success of DC, and how we can build upon the strong foundation that has been established and shape an even more sustainable, people-focused, equity-driven college and foster meaningful connections with the local community and broader global society,” said Dr. Popp. “I am committed to the college, its employees, students, alumni, community, and partners. I deeply care for DC and our shared goal of making meaningful contributions through the work we do.”