Welcome to the first edition of On Campus, a new monthly column here in the Truro Daily News.
My name is Kevin Quinlan and I'm principal of the Nova Scotia Community College, Truro campus. I have spent 36 years in post-secondary education working in various roles at colleges and universities, and am proud to be located in this campus and community.
As some of my main interests lie in the theory and practice of adult education and training, community education, and community/sustainable development, I couldn't be more pleased to be leading NSCC's Truro campus in the pursuit of NSCC's Mission: building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation.
As our 2012-2013 academic year gets underway, I know I speak on behalf of everyone at the Truro campus when I say we're excited to be able to reach out to you each month and share some of the great things happening on campus
The Truro campus is an integral part of NSCC and is a learning hub in the area. Since I arrived in 2001, enrolment has grown from 500 full-time students to 900-950, plus about 500 part-time students.
In addition to our core programs, we also deliver contract training for specific skills training needs of various industries.
Our student residence is a unique feature among NSCC campuses, and a key factor in drawing students to the area. Davis Hall houses 130 students, and is also home to My World of Learning, a day-care centre with 40 spaces for children 18 months to five years old, and Truro Head Start, a pre-school program for 60 children ages three to five.
While many folks know that courses from the schools of Access, Applied Arts and New Media, Business, and Health and Human Services are offered at the Truro campus, many are unaware that the campus also serves as the primary training facility for faculty entering the college. Each new NSCC instructor must complete the Community College Education Diploma Program (CCEDP). CCEDP gives staff the credentials to teach in a classroom and help our learners build the knowledge and skills necessary for entry into Nova Scotia's workforce and to contribute to our province's social and economic growth.
That's why you see our parking lot full in the summer as new employees come here from all across Nova Scotia. This program is focused primarily on faculty, but is also open to all college employees.
Here in Truro, NSCC has always felt a strong connection to our local communities. In the coming months, we hope to tell you stories that demonstrate the transformative impact a college education can have on individuals, families, communities and the province. Every NSCC campus is committed to delivering the highest program quality, achieving operational excellence, providing access to success for learners, and strengthening community connections.
Thanks to the Truro Daily News, readers have been kept abreast of campus life through stories of the people who make this campus thrive; our students, our employees, our partners, and, you, our community.
There are many, many stories to share and I am genuinely looking forward to sharing them with you in future columns.
Until next time.
TAGLINE: Kevin Quinlan is the principal of the Nova Scotia Community College, Truro campus. His column will appear monthly in the Truro Daily News.
