Merry comes to NIC from Northern Lights College, where she worked as campus administrator for the Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge campuses.
“We’re very excited to welcome Donna to NIC,” said Tony Bellavia, associate vice president, access and regions. “Being a campus administrator takes a unique combination of skills. Not only does Donna excel in that role, her passion, dedication to students and leadership approach makes her a great fit with NIC and our Mixalakwila campus.”
Merry has extensive experience in post-secondary including a background in adult learning theory, curriculum development and community-specific training. She also has experience working with First Nations, industry and community partners.
“Through all her work, Donna’s main priority has been to create exceptional learning environments for students,” said Bellavia. “We’re thrilled to have her join us in Port Hardy.”
For Merry, joining NIC is a return to where she started.
“I began my post-secondary studies at NIC and did some volunteer work for the college after my studies at UBC,” she said. “While I’ve been in northern BC for over a decade, Vancouver Island is where my family is, and where I call home. “
Merry is excited about the opportunities at the Mixalakwila campus and throughout the North Island region.
“I know the challenges and values of delivering education in BC’s smaller rural communities and the challenges rural students face to reach their goals,” she said. “I’m honoured to be able to support students from smaller communities and First Nations communities to move forward in their learning.”
Merry’s start at Mixalakwila comes as NIC is offering expanded programing, including the early childhood care and education diploma and health care assistant offerings.
“Access is one of the key focuses for NIC,” said Bellavia. “We are always looking to provide more opportunity for students to be able to learn in their home community.”
For more information on NIC’s upcoming programs and courses at Mixalakwila, visit: www.nic.bc.ca
