Camosun College president Sherri Bell plans to retire at the end of the year, drawing to a close a 40-year career as an educator and leader.
Bell, 61, has been president of the community college for the past six years. Prior to her appointment to the role in 2015, she spent almost 20 years in the Greater Victoria School District, starting as principal for James Bay Community School and ending as superintendent.
She started her career in 1981 as a physical education teacher in Calgary before moving to British Columbia.
“Retiring at the end of 2021 feels like the best time for the college,” said Bell. “We are in the last year of the college’s Strategic Plan, the 50th anniversary will have been celebrated and the college will have worked through the most challenging period of the pandemic.”
During her term as president, Bell led the college through a phase of significant growth and expansion.
She oversaw expansion of student services and supports as part of the new Student Experience Division.
Following the final report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015, the college formalized a number of policies involving Indigenous Peoples, including, equity, diversity and inclusion.
She helped to advance the college’s work in applied research and innovation.
“We were able to use our research to help a number of small and medium-sized businesses, showing the practical application of learning,” said Bell.
During her time at the helm, the college opened the Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, the Babcock Canada Interaction Lab and the Alex and Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness. Plans are underway for a film studio.
Bell said she looks forward to travelling and spending time with her family, including her parents in Calgary, a daughter in Edmonton and a son in Campbell River.
Her husband, Rick, retired five years ago from the University of Victoria.
But don’t expect her to slow down before the end of the year. She hopes to engage employees shortly about their experiences during the pandemic, and what can be learned.
“I have learned so much from my time here, from the students, elders, my team and faculty,” she said. “Even though I am leaving the college, they will always stay in my heart.”
She said she will use her remaining time to ensure a successful transition to her eventual successor.
The Camosun board of governors is expected to announce a search process shortly to select a new president.
Established in 1971, Camosun College offers academic and vocational programs to 20,000 students annually.
