Over 50 applications were received for the position. Barnes was chosen due to her extensive knowledge of the Yukon, her understanding of Yukon First Nations, and her focus on addressing the training need for business and industry. Barnes states, “It’s now time to direct our attention to better consulting with, and integration of business and industry into our programming.” She notes one of her priorities as both external and internal consultation, and working with Yukoners to help direct the college priorities.  

Barnes has worked in the post-secondary education field for her entire career, active always at the national and local levels. For the past several years she’s worked with the Association for Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), chairing the Calgary conference program committee, on the jury panels for national teaching and staff awards, and as a faculty member for the ACCC leadership Development Institute for Deans and Directors. In the Yukon, Barnes has put her energy into developing new diplomas and degrees for the college, initiating a unique faculty and staff internal communication method, and researching the education and training needs of the Yukon Territory. She is the force behind the college’s new school of mining.  

Barnes has been with Yukon College as the vice president of education and training for the past three years. Before this she was with Lethbridge College for six years and at NorQuest College since 1986. She holds a doctorate in Education Policy Studies from the University of Alberta.  

“The college Board has been impressed with Dr. Barnes achievements over the past few years and looks forward to working together towards the achievement of the college’s strategic directions,” stated Clarence Timmons, Yukon College Board of Governors Chairs. “We take the role of hiring a president very seriously and we’re pleased with the caliber of the candidates Yukon College has been able to attract. The Board has worked hard to ensure we have hired a president who will take us far.” The entire college community was involved in the interview process, providing final recommendations to the Advisory Selection Committee. Sub committees included one for faculty and staff, and one for senior management. The Advisory Selection Committee had representatives from the student union, senior management, employee union representatives, as well as the Board of Governors.

For more information, please contact:

Jacqueline Bedard
Director, College Relations and International
Yukon College
867.456.8619
jbedard@yukoncollege.yk.ca

or

Tanis Davey
Communications Coordinator,
College Relations and Int’l
867.668.8897
tdavey@yukoncollege.yk.ca


Tanis Davey Communications Coordinator, College Relations and Int’l 867.668.8897