Sandy MacDonald appointed next president
Sandy MacDonald will soon be succeeding longtime Holland College president Brian McMillan.
MacDonald, who has been the college’s vice-president, academic and applied research, for the past three years, will begin his new job on Jan. 1.
He has been responsible for roughly 4,5000 students in P.E.I. and China as well as overseeing language training and adult education programs at the college.
He was deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Development from 2010 to 2015, and deputy minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning in 2015. He contributed to the development of innovative educational policy and administrative excellence provincially, nationally and internationally.
MacDonald holds a Ph.D. in educational and counseling psychology from McGill University, a masters in educational psychology from the University of Alberta, a bachelor in special education from Memorial University, as well as bachelor degrees in secondary education and arts from UPEI.
Michael O’Brien, chairman of the Holland College board of governors, says MacDonald brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational vision to the post.
“We look forward to sharing his vision for the future of Holland College over the coming months,’’ said O’Brien.
McMillan, who announced in May his plan to retire, will have served as president of the college for 13.5 years when he leaves the college at the end of the year.