Message from the Board Chair, Don Gillespie

Published December 16, 2025

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am pleased to recognize the outstanding leadership of President Maureen Adamson as she concludes eight years of dedicated service to Fleming College and transitions into her new role as President and CEO of Colleges Ontario.

Maureen’s tenure has been defined by strategic vision, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. Under her guidance, Fleming achieved several significant milestones that strengthened the College for the future. Among these include the creation of the College’s largest-ever endowed bursary fund, supported by a transformative $1.5 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation, ensuring expanded access to education for generations of learners.

She championed meaningful community engagement and thought leadership through major initiatives such as Ignite the Electric City Summit in 2023 and 2024, the Speakers Series of 2020 featuring three-time Olympic gold medalist Marnie McBean, and the 2019 Thought Leaders’ Speaker Series featuring Elizabeth Manley, Canadian silver medalist and Sheldon Levy, former CEO of NEXT Canada and Special Advisor to The Honourable Mary Ng, all of which elevated Fleming’s profile and enriched student and community learning experiences.

Maureen also prioritized strengthening government and sector relationships, welcoming Premier Doug Ford to the Frost Campus in 2022, and advancing Fleming’s strategic direction with the successful launch and execution of the 2019–2024 Strategic Plan. Her leadership supported significant campus development, including the expansion of student housing at the Haliburton School of Art + Design, and the important opening of the Muskoka-Kawarthas Service System Manager (SSM), each reinforcing her commitment to improving student experience, college infrastructure and advancing the future of employment services.

Her presidency encompassed a period of transformation in Ontario’s post-secondary landscape. Shifting student needs, the pandemic, new government policy directions, and inflationary pressures created unprecedented challenges. Maureen’s leadership was instrumental as Fleming strengthened its financial sustainability, modernized programming, and renewed its enrolment and program portfolio strategies, work that became even more critical following the federal government’s January 2024 announcement limiting international student enrolment.

A strong advocate for innovation and applied research, Maureen helped position Fleming College as a national leader. Under her direction, the College rose to 17th among Canada’s top research colleges and ranked #1 in the country for industry research income growth, reflecting significant momentum in partnerships, and economic impact.

Throughout her tenure, Maureen championed innovation, excellence, and partnerships that enriched learning opportunities and positioned Fleming College for long-term success. Her impact is enduring, and the institution is stronger because of her service.

As she steps into her provincial leadership role, the Board extends its sincere appreciation and warmest wishes. We have no doubt that Maureen will continue to make significant contributions to Ontario’s college system.