Lambton College President Judith Morris officially opens the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Bio-Industrial Technologies. September 20, 2018 Photo by Melanie IrwinLambton College President Judith Morris officially opens the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Bio-Industrial Technologies. September 20, 2018 Photo by Melanie Irwin
Sarnia

Lambton College president retiring at year's end

The president and CEO of Lambton College has announced plans to retire.

Judith Morris notified the board of governors Thursday that she'll leave the role at the end of December this year.

"It's a little bittersweet," Morris told Blackburn News. "I absolutely love the job, it's probably the best job in the world! It's an incredible college and we've come a really long way. It's hard to think about missing the people, and the work, and the students, but it is the right time for me, it's the right time for my family."

Lambton College Board of Governors Chair Janice McMichael-Dennis says Morris has been an exceptional leader during her eight years in the role.

"We couldn't be happier with how she is leaving us," said McMichael-Dennis. "Lambton College is positioned far better than anybody could have expected from years and years ago. We are sitting in such a strong position. We're the number one research college in Canada, we have campuses in China, we have campuses in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and we have this whole renewed infrastructure, the amazing new set of buildings that truly has Judith's fingerprints all over it."

Morris led the college through the construction of $75 million in new facilities, including the world-class NOVA Chemicals Health and Research Centre, the Athletics and Fitness Complex and the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Bio-Industrial Technologies.

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley had praise for Morris.

"She was simply the best. Judy was very dogged to make the college what it is today with the new campus, the number one applied research college in Canada and the international students that have added greatly to the community."

Bradley Says Morris was more than just the head of the college.

"Her role outside of being the college's president with the economic partnership with the Research Park board and with the Bio-innovation Centre in Canada, she was a leader there, too. So she brought lots to the table and she brought it with vigour and style and had huge impact on the community."

Morris joined Lambton College in 2002 and in 2012 was named the 10th president of the college and the first woman to hold the title.

She said she plans on travelling and spending more time with her husband, two sons, and five grandchildren.

McMichael-Dennis said the board will begin the work of selecting a replacement.

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