KAWARTHA LAKES-Fleming College President Tony Tilly has announced he will retire on June 30th.
In a message to College faculty and staff, Tony remarked, “Fourteen years in this role is not something I anticipated when I started at Fleming in August 2004. Then again, I also didn’t anticipate how much I would enjoy working with outstanding colleagues and students who are as dedicated to Fleming as we are to them.”
Board of Governors of Sir Sandford Fleming College, Chair Dana Empey says Tilly will complete his third and final term as Fleming College President. “Tony has led the college through an extraordinary transformation during his 14-year tenure,” said Ms. Empey. “The college has grown significantly in terms of facilities, programming, enrolment and community partnerships. As we thank Tony and look back on his success, we also look to the future as the Board begins the search for a new leader to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for students and continue to grow Fleming College in partnership with our communities.”
The board says since his initial appointment in 2004, Tony has emphasized strategic planning and organizational development, built leadership capacity, encouraged international horizons, secured funds to build the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre and maintained and expanded partnerships. Since that year the College’s revenues have doubled. “In the provincial and national contexts, Tony advocates working together to support and strengthen public postsecondary education which he sees as one of Ontario’s – and Canada’s – great resources.” said a press release issued today.
Tony has served as Chair of the provincial Committee of Presidents and has been a Director on the Board of Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Tilly told staff and students that Fleming College has much to be proud of, yet more ahead in terms of both opportunities and challenges. In that spirit, his intent is to continue to work energetically in the remaining months of his appointment on Fleming Forward, a theme of the Fleming Strategic Plan, with focus on innovative steps to seize opportunities and meet challenges.
As for what’s next well Tony commented, “I never was a very good gardener and I don’t expect to become one now.”
Chair Dana Empey has confirmed that the Board of Governors will soon announce the upcoming Presidential Search, which will include the opportunity for input from students, staff, faculty, leaders and community partners.
