The fifth president of North Island College is John Bowman.
Bowman will become the president on Aug. 1, succeeding current President Jan Lindsay, who is retiring after four years with the college and 35 years in B.C.’s post-secondary education sector.
Bowman currently serves as president and chief executive officer at the College of New Caledonia, headquartered in Prince George.
He brings seven years of experience as a college president to his new position and has a deep appreciation of the challenges facing colleges in rural communities.
“He believes in a collaborative approach to leadership, fostering a climate and organization culture conducive to improvement, supporting employees as well as student learning, with a focus on developing trust and achieving desired results,” said Bruce Calder, chair of board of governors.
Under Bowman, New Caldedonia developed and implemented a five-year strategic plan; increased student enrolment; enhanced regional campus programs and services; increased aboriginal participation rates and partnerships; expanded international education; undertook major capital facilities renewal; and expanded fundraising capacity and corporate sponsorships.
Bowman has worked in the BC post-secondary system for 22 years. Prior to his appointment in Prince George, Bowman served as New Caledonia’s vice-president of student services and regional director for the Quesnel campus.
Prior to that, he served as vice-president of human resources/development services and director of planning and research, both at Kwantlen University College in Surrey.
Bowman holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University, where his thesis project explored the role of collaborative leadership in supporting teamwork and learning.
“It is a privilege and honour to have been selected as the next President of North Island College,” he said. “I know that NIC has a proud history of success and many achievements. I am also struck by the many similarities between North Island College and the College of New Caledonia.”
He added: “Leading the NIC team is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the development of the institution, the region and its people.”