Dr. Robert A. Gordon, Officer of the Order of Canada, Bishop’s University Alumnus (former Chair of the Board of Governors)

Humber President Emeritus and Bishop’s Alumnus Dr. Robert (Squee) Gordon is renowned for his contributions to Educational leadership. He has recently endowed the Gordon Educational Leadership Fund to support a culture of educational leadership for members of our community committed to building positive institutional change.

The Importance of Educational Leadership in Higher Education

In the immediate years following graduation, it seemed axiomatic that the overarching value of the Bishop’s experience had been to provide an environment whereby its students could be appropriately moulded to be adequately prepared to handle the varied issues they would face during their lives’ journey.  This fortuitous circumstance was facilitated by the unique advantage of spending several years on the idyllic campus of a small, residential undergraduate institution nestled serenely in the rolling hills of the Eastern Townships. It was all too easy to believe that during those largely carefree years at Bishop’s – time spent sampling a plethora of (new) interests, broadening academic/intellectual pursuits, testing and then inculcating appropriate values and a personal code of acceptable behaviour – we were able to evolve, as if by osmosis, into sensible, personable adults equipped to take on rewarding and meaningful roles in our democratic society. And of course, we could all take personal credit for so seamlessly transforming ourselves from insecure adolescents into mature adults.

Over time, however, it began to dawn how shallow was that superficial overlay.  On reflection, the fundamental essence of BU, in fact, was to be found in the on-going, constantly deepening interactions between the students and the faculty.  Regardless of the celebrated, high profile extracurricular distractions – the Gaiters, the Lion, the Clubs, etc. – that are frequently featured prominently in the Bishop’s (alumni) lexicon, it became ever more clear that the true ethos of the University had always been entrusted to, and been embodied by, the faculty.  Since the inception of Bishop’s in 1843, the faculty have been the heart, the soul, and especially the conscience, of the University, and in so doing have both brought out the best in their students, and showcased the inter-personal fabric of what makes being at BU so special.  In short, it is the faculty who have guarded the institution’s traditions and legacy, maintained expert oversight of its standards and academic reputation, and provided the primary catalytic impetus which each year has successfully launched the graduating cohort into the “outside” world.

A recent personal experience reinforced this premise. In 2007, I was asked to play a role in the University’s governance during a period when many significant challenges threatened the very survival of the institution. What resonated for me was that notwithstanding the pressure and stress for everyone as we simultaneously came to grips with several seemingly insoluble and contentious issues, (some presenting potentially long term harm to the psychological well-being and professional prospects of the faculty and staff), meeting the educational and developmental requirements of the students always trumped any other pressing concerns. This caring and professional attitude by the faculty towards their students helped to stabilize the institution, and allowed appropriate mid-course corrections to take hold.  Today the University is still regarded across the country as near to the top of its class.

It thus follows that the most valuable resource of the University, the faculty, needs to be supported and nurtured.  Fortunately, the faculty themselves have established one important instrument, The Centre for Teaching and Learning, which speaks directly to the main raison d’être of the University, viz., improving teaching and facilitating learning.  Yet, the University suffers from a chronic over-all shortage of funding, and there is concern that this important asset might not receive the support it both deserves and requires.

It is important that the Centre continue to thrive and grow. The mission of the Centre needs to be fully understood and embraced, and the results of its endeavours disseminated broadly, so that it can become the beacon for sharing new pedagogical ideas and methodologies, and stimulate the interest of a widening pool of participants.  Moreover, fostering a steady stream of fresh ideas emanating from the Centre can assist Bishop’s in its quest to stand out amongst its peers as an institution on the cutting edge of providing high quality, innovative undergraduate education.  I wish those active in the Centre all the very best in their activities, and urge all who share the Centre’s vision to consider supporting it in any way deemed appropriate.

Biography:

Dr. Robert (Squee) Gordon, Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning’s longest serving president (1982-2007) has been appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his dedication and commitment to higher education in Canada. Gordon’s leadership was instrumental in transforming the college system from its community roots to today’s degree-granting, preparing students for their career role.

Dr. Gordon has spent more than 45 years in public postsecondary education. He was president of Dawson College in Montreal before serving as Humber’s president for 25 years.

“While it is humbling to be personally honoured, real credit should go to the many committed and professional staff at Humber, Dawson and other colleges across Canada who make excellent educational things happen. Considering its major impact upon the socio-economic well-being of so many Canadians, the college movement has always been underappreciated in Canada, and this award goes some distance in redressing that misconception,” said Gordon.

Among his many accolades and achievements, Dr. Gordon received the Commemorative Medal for the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of Ontario.

He has taught at many colleges and universities, has consulted and been a policy advisor nationally and internationally on postsecondary education, is widely published, and held a variety of board and other appointments during his career.

“We first and foremost congratulate Dr. Gordon on his well-deserved recognition and for his contributions to Humber and the overall college system in Canada,” said Chris Whitaker, Humber’s current president. “Squee led Humber through its formative years, always putting students’ interests first. His vision broadened access to education, added innovative programs and inspired all employees. Further, his focus on teaching and learning led to a model for Humber that enables our students to be ready to work when they graduate.”

www.humber.ca/staff/announcement/dr-robert-gordon-appointed-officer-order-canada