Camosun College President Sherri Bell to retire

Sherri Bell has informed the college community that she plans to retire at the end of the year after serving more than six years as President.

"At our heart, we are an access institution, a place with amazing people who open doors to education. The breadth and depth of what we do, and the people who work and learn here are what I value the most," says Sherri. "Retiring at the end of 2021 feels like the best time for the college. We are in the last year of the college's Strategic Plan, the 50th anniversary will have been celebrated and the college will have worked through the most challenging period of the pandemic."

Sherri has been a life-long educator and leader, starting her career in 1981 as a teacher in Calgary. She also worked as an instructor and administrator at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, and provided leadership with the Ministry of Education in curriculum development. Prior to joining Camosun, she spent almost 20 years in the Greater Victoria School District in a variety of leadership roles culminating as Superintendent / Chief Executive Officer.

"We are saddened by Sherri's departure given all she has accomplished but we are very happy she will have more time to travel and be with her family," says Board Chair Monty Bryant. "Sherri has worked tirelessly to ensure students get the best possible education and support services no matter what the college was going through. She has helped to build this amazing culture of commitment and caring. Sherri demonstrates an outstanding array of leadership skills, perhaps the greatest of which is her authenticity. Our heartfelt thanks to Sherri for her dedication, passion and resiliency."

Sherri oversaw many achievements and new developments, while providing authentic leadership that has focused on student success, helped build relationships that benefit the college and exemplified the college's commitment to life-changing learning. Three notable accomplishments include: expanding student services and supports as part of the new Student Experience Division; greater Indigenization throughout the college with a commitment to truth and reconciliation; and, helping to advance the college's work in applied research and innovation.

The college experienced significant growth and expansion during her term as president. The Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, the Babcock Canada Interaction Lab and the Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness were opened. The college is about to undertake major renovations to transform the Wilna Thomas building, and plans are underway for a future film studio and educational programs. During Sherri's leadership, the college also launched a Strategic Plan and formalized a number of policies such as Indigenization and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.The Camosun Board of Governors is expected to shortly announce a search process to select a new president

Camosun, located in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia with campuses on the Traditional Territories of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, is one of the largest colleges in the province. Established in 1971, Camosun now celebrates 50 years of delivering innovative, life-changing academic and applied programs to 20,000 students annually.

Media Contacts

President, Sherri Bell

Songhees Elder Skip Dick with Sherri in 2019 at the camas harvest and pit cook

Premier John Horgan with Sherri, February 2021