Georgian College

25 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2022 LEADERShIP LEADERShIP MaryLynn began her journey as a struggling student – not shy to say so. She failed every report card until Grade 5 and had a tough start to university, but persevered thanks to her mother Joan's encouragement. That persistence paid off. MaryLynn eventually earned her PhD. She had good mentors who nudged her into leadership along the way, including children's book author Robert Munsch who planted the seed during her undergraduate degree. "Incredible things can happen if you believe in people," reflects MaryLynn. "I experienced that first-hand." It was in the classroom as an Early Childhood Education professor where she began to make her mark, struck by the power education has to change lives. "I saw it as a great equalizer," she says. "It didn't matter where students came from or what circumstances they were in. Once they earned their credential, doors opened. What they chose to do with that credential was up to them, but it levelled the field." Over the years, MaryLynn held a variety of roles with increasing responsibility. She was president of Mohawk College, a strategic architect in the creation of Ontario Tech University, and joined Georgian as president in 2012. What attracted her most to Georgian was its commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation. "When I first arrived, we'd been blessed with a substantial donation from Henry Bernick who I felt a connection with," says MaryLynn. "Having come from a family with a business background, I saw the value of instilling an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative skills in our students, and Henry did too." Georgian's Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre received two prestigious international awards in the proceeding years. Entrepreneurial outcomes were embedded in the college's 135+ programs. Georgian also became the first – and only – Ashoka U designated changemaker college, recognized for its leadership in social innovation in higher education. MaryLynn largely saw her role as president to steadfastly listen and respond to the needs of students, alumni, communities and employers. As a result, the college introduced close to 40 new programs during her tenure, activated a dynamic partnership with Lakehead University to increase degree capacity in the region, launched a private-public partnership with the International Language Academy of Canada, and chartered a bold digital innovation strategy to deliver an unrivaled student experience. Under her leadership, MaryLynn also ensured Georgian was a major contributor to driving regional economic growth, culminating with the opening of the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre at the Barrie Campus and the Algoma Central Corporation Marine Emergency Duties Centre in Owen Sound. More recently, her influential advocacy resulted in Georgian announcing a new Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing degree. Students will start their studies in September and ensure our region has a sustainable workforce to meet critical shortages and increasing health-care demands. "I also wanted to inspire in our students a hungry curiosity, a desire to constantly question and ask, 'Why?'" It was that changemaker approach that led Georgian to make significant culture shifts during MaryLynn's final years with the college. Georgian expanded awareness and supports for international students, took important steps toward Truth and Reconciliation, and deepened efforts to create a teaching and learning environment where everyone feels seen, is heard, and knows they belong. "It's remarkable when you find yourself at a place where you still love going to work every day," MaryLynn says. "I've been surrounded by a fantastic team and will always be here, championing Georgian from the sidelines." Georgian is home to more than 90,000 alumni. Some of MaryLynn's favourite memories include celebrating as graduates walked across the stage at convocation and recognizing our alumni's diverse talents and achievements at the annual Premier's Awards. "I'm so proud of the impact Georgian grads are making," she beams. "They'll continue to be the innovators, skilled professionals and compassionate citizens who define and influence more inclusive workplaces, stronger communities and a better future for us all." "As president, I wanted to help build on Georgian's reputation as a place employers and community could come to partner and solve all kinds of challenges," says MaryLynn.

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