Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

Posted: March 28, 2018

Don Bureaux
President
Nova Scotia Community College

This month, we talked to Don Bureaux, President of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). NSCC is a community college serving the province through its network of 13 campuses and three community learning centres.

Tell us about NSCC and the greatest opportunities/challenges that lie ahead.

At NSCC, our mission is to build Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation. Through our network of 13 campuses, the college offers over 120 programs across the province working to support the success of our students and, in turn, the success of our province. This is both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity.

To deliver the most relevant and innovative education, we’re continuously working with industry and government to determine what programming and skills are needed for the economy of today while predicting the economic trends of tomorrow. These programs range from big data, to geographic sciences and oceans, sustainable technology, digital animation, international business, and so many more.

We strive to provide access to education for all Nova Scotians. To support our goal, we launched Make Way – The Campaign for NSCC to help remove barriers for NSCC students by raising $25 million. To date, donors have generously contributed over $22 million. Make Way is not focused on bricks and mortar, but on directly supporting and benefiting students, families, and communities across the province.

What do you see as the greatest advantages of operating a business in Halifax?

Halifax is a great city in which to work and live. It’s a hub of innovation and NSCC is a major contributor to that work. For example, NSCC is a lead partner in the development of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE). Located on the Dartmouth waterfront, COVE will see start-ups, R&D companies, and other post-secondary institutions working together to create a centre of marine innovation and commercialization. Having three locations in the metro region allows NSCC to work closely with the provincial government, industry, and our partners in the post-secondary sector.

However, NSCC prides itself on being the province’s community college, and we’re proud to be engrained in the provincial fabric from Yarmouth to Sydney. Working with local organizations, businesses and government, the college helps foster economic and social growth in communities throughout Nova Scotia.

Hiring youth is important to the economic growth of Nova Scotia. How does NSCC support youth retention?

When I look at the potential within our students and graduates, and the opportunities within our province, I’m optimistic for our youth as we’re helping to change the narrative in Nova Scotia and build a brighter future.

At NSCC, we believe that change lies in the power of learning. We continuously improve our programs and services and offer an inclusive and diverse environment to better support students as they work to achieve their goals.

We provide them with the mentors, skills, and tools they need to be prepared for the workforce. That includes instilling an entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of resiliency that enables our graduates to adapt to and be prepared for jobs that may not even exist yet. By fostering these skills and passion within our students, we empower them to lead, build, and contribute to a prosperous future right here, at home.

×

Search

This website uses cookies
This website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyse website traffic. By using our website without adjusting your cookie settings you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Ok