THUNDER BAY – Confederation College president Jim Madder is leaving his post at the end of the year.
Madder, who has served in the role for six-and-a-half years, informed the Thunder Bay school’s board of directors on Tuesday morning of the decision, which he said was a difficult one to make.
“During this coming year, we will see several significant projects and initiatives completed, along with another year of our strategic plan,” Madder said in a letter announcing his plan.
“With our progress in increasing student pathways and supports, advancing Indigenous and International learning, and developing infrastructure designed to position us for the future of post-secondary education, I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to in acting as your president.”
Madder said he timed his departure to allow his successor to be involved with the consultation and development of the next strategic plan, scheduled to begin in 2019.
Madder said during his tenure the school, its students and its staff have overcome plenty of challenges while celebrating many successes.
It’s not easy walking away, he added.
“From the beginning, I have been motivated and impassioned by our students. Their courage, hard work and most importantly their ability to dream, affirms for us all that our collective future is in good hands. I encourage all of our students to keep dreaming,” said Madder, who last year helped oversee the school’s 50th anniversary celebration, as well as a strike that saw faculty walk off the job at all of Ontario’s colleges.
“The success of our over 48,000 alumni from these past 50 years has certainly been an example of what can be achieved with a post-secondary education. We are honoured to have been a part of your journey and I am grateful for the many of you I have had the opportunity to meet.”
He lists among his accomplishments the founding of the Centre for Policy and Research in Indigenous Learning, and new facilities, including the OPG Bio-Energy Learning and Research Centre, the Spruce and Cedar House residences, the SUCCI Wellness Centre and the Sioux Lookout campus co-location with Sioux Lookout High School.
“These highlights only begin to shine a light on the incredible work we have been able to accomplish together. All of this work ultimately serves to increase access to education for learners of all kinds and support our students in achieving success in their studies and careers – our true purpose and priority,” Madder said.
Board chairman George Patterson praised Madder for his presidential term.
“President Madder’s vision and leadership have deeply contributed to the growth of Confederation College,” said Patterson. “He has facilitated the expansion and renewal of Confederation College’s infrastructure through several projects over the years. His true legacy though, will be defined by his commitment to providing access and success for all learners and by his cultivation of a long list of meaningful partnerships for the College.”
Madder took office on July 1, 2011, taking over from outgoing president Pat Lang. His contract was renewed for a second five-year term in 2016.
A national search for his successor will begin shortly, school officials said.
