Ex-John Abbott dean receives high honour

Erich Schmedt, a longtime educator and former dean at John Abbott College, has been appointed to the Quebec Order of Excellence in Education.

The Order of Excellence in Education recognizes the “merit of those who have played or are still playing an important role in the field of education in Quebec.”

“For over 31 years, Erich Schmedt has given his heart and soul to John Abbott. He has evolved from being a teacher, up the ranks to Chair of the Biology department, Program Dean, Academic Dean and then Conseiller cadre, the college said in a statement.

Gordon Brown, John Abbott’s Academic Dean, also praised Schmedt’s work as an educator and administrator.

“Erich has served as a model in supporting others as an administrator, both at John Abbott and in the college network,” Brown said.

John Abbott’s Director General John Halpin said Schmedt’s efforts have helped build the college’s reputation.

“The strong reputation that John Abbott College has in the local community, and our province, is in a large degree due to Erich’s sustained leadership and positive personality,” Halpin said.

John Abbott College has over 6,500 full-time day students and an additional 2,000 continuing education students. The college opened in 1971.