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Kelowna  

3 more years for OC boss

The president of Okanagan College will be sticking around for at least three more years.

Jim Hamilton has agreed to an offer to extend his term through October 2019. He has been at the helm since 2004, the longest tenure of any post-secondary school in the province.

“Over the course of his tenure, he has helped the institution develop a well-deserved reputation for accomplishment, growth and service. I’ve witnessed first-hand how well respected he is provincially and nationally," said Connie Denesiuk, chair of the college's board of governors.

“This news will please many of Jim’s colleagues at Okanagan College, and I know it will be welcomed by the sector generally. Jim is respected for his experience and for his insights, demeanour and intelligence.”

In accepting the extension, Hamilton said he is proud of the college's record of success and achievement, adding there is still work to be done to better serve students.

"I am particularly excited about some of the key directions in the college’s recently completed five-year strategic plan, and I want to be part of moving them forward," said Hamilton.

"Those include working with and learning from our indigenous community, increasing our support for key sectors such as wine, food and tourism and technology, and completing a plan that will expand internationalization opportunities for our students and employers.”

Hamilton began with the college in 1980, when he taught English at the Vernon campus.

During his time as president, Okanagan College enrolment has grown by 43 per cent, exceeding government targets every year. OC is now one of the largest colleges in B.C. and the second biggest public trades training institution in the province.

Aboriginal student numbers have more than tripled to 1,550. 

“As much as construction and enrolment growth are both good for the local economy, what has given me the greatest satisfaction is the success of our students and how our team has worked together to create more access for more post-secondary options for the people in this region,” said Hamilton.



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