Confederation College President Delivers Report to Community at Western Campuses

(THUNDER BAY, ON – June 18, 2024) – Confederation College shared its annual Report to Community this past week in Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden and Sioux Lookout.  The report, delivered by college president Kathleen Lynch, marked the end of the fourth year of its 5-year Kaa-anokaatekin (“work that is now carried”) Strategic Plan, and the final report under Lynch’s tenure as president.

Lynch highlighted the institution's progress in the strategic plan's four pillars: Access and Success, Indigenous Learning, Institutional Excellence, and Community Prosperity.

The College has made significant strides in advancing its objectives in each pillar, including student enrollment and programming. Total enrollment increased by over 300 students from 2023 and post-secondary students increased by over 500 students. In addition to adding seats to in-demand regional programs and providing a new pathway into healthcare programs for university graduates, Confederation College launched several new programs, including a standalone Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program, and a Registered Nurse Prescribing program as well as adding Practical Nursing programming in the region in Marathon, Atikokan, and Nipigon. The college will also welcome its first cohort of Pharmacy Technician students this September.

“We have made significant progress this year, growing our healthcare programs to meet the needs in Thunder Bay and the region,” noted Lynch. “Our goal is to make these programs more accessible to students, no matter where they live. Each graduate is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the well-being of every individual in our region. We look forward to more growth in the final year of our strategic plan.”

Lynch also highlighted several initiatives taking place at the regional campuses, including the opening of the Northwest Employment Works (NEW) office in Sioux Lookout, AZ Mandatory Entry Level Training (Melt) and pre-apprenticeship training in a number of  regional communities, the College's partnership with Kenora District Services Board to build an on-campus space that will create 49 new Child Care spots, and the continued partnership with the Dryden Native Friendship Centre for the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program.

Other college-wide highlights include progress in fostering a supportive and culturally rich environment for Indigenous students and developing an Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP) to guide its journey to reconciliation.

In addition to the report, each campus celebrated its convocation ceremony. Over 45 regional grads walked the stage receiving their diplomas.

Full details of the Report to the Community can be found at community.confederationcollege.ca

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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967, providing transformative education across a vast 550,000 square kilometre region. Our main campus in Thunder Bay and seven regional sites (Dryden, Longlac, Kenora, Marathon, Fort Frances, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout), and an expanding Distance Education division are beacons of opportunity for over 7,000 full- and part-time students each year. With a committed staff of 600, we drive personal and community growth, contributing significantly to the local economy with a $707.3 million annual impact. Confederation College is a thriving educational hub, where dreams take flight, and futures are forged.