Ron McKerlie to end his tenure at Mohawk College
Ron J. McKerlie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohawk College and President of Mohawk College Foundation announced today that he will conclude his leadership of the College at the end of his current five-year contracts on July 31, 2024.
McKerlie began his term as Mohawk College’s eighth President on August 5, 2014, leading the College through a number of transformational projects and guiding the College’s Foundation through a decade of growth and expansion.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors of Mohawk College, we want to congratulate and thank Ron McKerlie for all that has been accomplished through his leadership and guidance over the past decade,” said Anna Filice, Chair of the Mohawk College Board of Governors. “By his example, he has inspired others to pursue innovation and excellence in their service to students, colleagues, and the community. Under his direction, Mohawk College has secured its place as a respected leader in Canada’s post-secondary sector.”
During his tenure, the College has experienced transformational changes, with the opening of The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, Canada’s first building to receive the Zero Carbon Building Certification for Design and Performance; the creation of the Hoop Dance and other spaces to nurture Indigenous awareness and learning; the construction of the Centre for Aviation Technology campus at Hamilton International Airport; the opening of the College’s Mississauga Campus in partnership with triOS College; and, most recently, the opening of the Centre for Integrative and Advanced Medical Imaging in partnership with McMaster University.
With McKerlie’s direction, the College has advanced its leadership on both the regional and national levels. The College has been a community leader with the expansion of City School locations and the creation of important employment pathways and partnerships through the Future Ready Premium Partnership program. Nationally, the College launched Challenge 2025, expanding City School programs to help people across the country. Through the creation of the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery, with the national secretariat located at Mohawk College, a pan-Canadian network has been developed to support rapid skills training for the green economy in every region of the nation. Under President McKerlie’s influence, Mohawk College has increased its commitments to sustainability; to equity, diversity and inclusion; to Truth and Reconciliation; and to Internationalization.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Mohawk College Foundation, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Ron McKerlie for his exceptional leadership, which has greatly expanded the scope of the Foundation’s activities over the past nine years and has significantly elevated our fundraising outcomes,” said Bob Savage, Chair of the Board of Directors for Mohawk College Foundation. “We are proud and appreciative of the Foundation’s achievements with Ron as President. Though his planned departure will be deeply felt, his impact will undoubtedly have a lasting positive effect on the College and the students whom we strive to support.”
During President McKerlie’s time leading the Foundation, fundraising initiatives have greatly increased. One of the largest donations in the college’s history was received to support the construction of The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation. Other major gifts have been received to support the Marshall School of Skilled Trades, City School and Challenge 2025 initiatives, as well as a multi-year skilled trades training program. The introduction of community fundraising campaigns, such as the annual Holiday Gift Catalogue, has helped to establish hundreds more scholarships and bursaries for Mohawk College students. As well, by raising awareness around student housing and food insecurity, the Foundation has increased its emergency support funding for students in need.
“It has been a privilege to congratulate thousands of students every year, both local and from around the world, as they cross the convocation stage and step into bright, promising careers,” said President McKerlie. “I have been honoured to work with an exceptional group of people who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the support and success of the students who entrust their hopes and dreams to Mohawk College. Together, we have accomplished some truly incredible milestones and established Mohawk College as one of the premier colleges in Canada. And, there is still much more to be done before my tenure ends next year.”
The Mohawk College Board of Governors will begin a formal search process to select McKerlie’s replacement. A selection committee comprised of representatives from the College and Foundation boards will begin this fall. The results will be shared with the College community once a decision is made.
President McKerlie will continue to serve as President of the College and the Foundation. If his successor is named prior to July 31, 2024, he will continue to assist an orderly transition until the end of July 2024 in an advisory role.