Centennial College President Ann Buller renews contract for a third term

TORONTO, April 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Centennial College President Ann Buller has agreed to a third five-year term as chief executive officer, which will make her the longest-serving president in Centennial's history upon completion. Notably, Buller was the youngest woman to lead a large college at the time of her appointment in 2004, and she is one of the very few Ontario college graduates to ascend to the position of president.

During her tenure, Centennial has embraced the internationalization of its curriculum, earning both the Association of Canadian Community Colleges Gold Medal for Internationalization and the coveted Canadian Bureau for International Education Excellence award. Centennial's approach fuelled growth in the number of Canadian students who study abroad and the number of international students who choose Centennial, resulting in graduates who have gained a global, socially responsible perspective that makes them better employees, entrepreneurs and citizens.

Community outreach initiatives have grown significantly under Buller's leadership, and her commitment to local capacity building rivals her passion for global citizenship. The introduction of the Distinction in Leadership credential gives students an unprecedented opportunity to develop their leadership potential while contributing to communities, engaging in applied research, or joining a Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experience abroad. Centennial's work with those who are the first in their family to attend postsecondary also has been recognized and celebrated.

"Ann's ability to hone in on the needs of our diverse community, and simultaneously create an international profile for the college on every continent, speaks to her talents as an attuned leader and academic innovator," says Kay Blair, Chair of the Board of Governors. "She brings a boundless energy, enthusiasm and deep commitment to her role that inspires all those around her to reach higher."

Over the past decade, Buller has introduced greater financial accountability measures that have allowed Centennial to commit $330 million towards new campus buildings and renovations as part of an ambitious Strategic Campus Plan. Investments in the learning and development of Centennial's employees, including the introduction of new awards and recognitions, the creation of some 85 new academic programs, expansion of applied research and the focus on becoming a learning-centred college all paint a fuller picture of Centennial's growth and development.

In addition to her leadership role at Centennial, Buller has been a tireless advocate for Ontario's first college, the provincial college system and for colleges right across Canada. Among her national roles, she has furthered the ethical development of international strategies as Chair of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, and championed the college system as the Chair of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC).

"Centennial College and ACCC are fortunate to continue benefitting from Ann Buller's vast experience and commitment to colleges and institutes across Canada," says Denise Amyot, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. "Through her leadership and collaboration as Chair of ACCC, Ann Buller has helped position the Association for future post-secondary challenges and she has been an inspirational role model, both in Canada and around the world."

Ann Buller began her career at Centennial in the Marketing department in 1989, where she progressed from Student Liaison Coordinator delivering high-school presentations, to Director of Student Services and, later, Vice President of Student Advocacy and Services. Buller rejoined Centennial in 2004 after a successful career at Nova Scotia Community College, where she was the Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer. She replaced Richard Johnston, becoming the sixth president in Centennial's history.

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142/[email protected]