A former and current deputy minister of advanced education have been brought in to serve on the College of New Caledonia's board of governors.
Sandra Carroll, current deputy minister and Robert Lee Doney, former deputy minister, were both appointed by the Ministry of Advanced Education. A third member - CNC's Registrar Paul Campo - was appointed as an administrative representative.
The appointees, who will all serve two-year terms, were announced Friday after the board's monthly meeting.
"While CNC is currently the only public post-secondary institution in B.C. with a ministry staff person on the board, it is not without precedent," said ministry spokeswoman Trish Fougner by email. "In recent years, the Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Advanced Education was appointed to the (B.C. Justice Institute or JIBC) board."
The JIBC's approach to its board appears to be unique in B.C. Its board consists of eight or more appointed members and the president, while all other institutions have eight or more appointed members, an elected faculty representative, two elected student representatives, the president and chair of the education council.
In an emailed statement, Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson said the appointments were made "(to) position the college for short- and long-term success" and the two can "provide support, guidance and advice."
"Our government is committed to putting students first and, when appropriate, providing assistance to ensure students and public post-secondary institutions succeed," Wilkinson said, noting CNC has trained thousands of students since 1969 "and will continue to do so for many more years to come."
The ministry statement noted Carroll has post-secondary sector experience and Lee Doney has served as a board chair and also has labour-relations experience.
CNC said the appointment follows Section 9 of the College and Institute Act which says the Lieutenant Governor in Council can appoint eight or more members to a board. That section also allows the Lieutenant Governor in Council to remove both elected and appointed members of the board.
"The college welcomes the new appointees and their extensive experience to the board. CNC is confident that they will support the college in its current direction," CNC's press release read.
It said the board has taken steps in the last year to ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.
"Thanks to the steps taken by the board, the college will be in a better financial position for the next year."
The college previously projected a surplus this year, but noted nothing is final until the fiscal year end on March 31. It would be the first surplus in eight years.
CNC chair Vince Prince said the new members will be a benefit to the board.
"I believe that they will recognize and support the direction which the college is taking in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the college," Prince said in the release.
