The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching bids farewell to Executive Director Wendy Freeman
After leading the development of a new Teaching Centre and bringing together various resource units under one shared vision, the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching’s Executive Director Wendy Freeman will soon be moving on from her inaugural title. Wendy joined the Toronto Metropolitan community back in 1998, and prior to her appointment as Executive Director in July of 2020, she served as the Director of eLearning.
Her appointment not only followed the formation of the Centre, but also occurred in the midst of a global pandemic leading to a sudden shift to remote teaching. This was no small feat according to colleague and Associate Director of the Centre Curtis Maloley.
“It’s hard to plan strategically in the midst of so much uncertainty and change, but I really appreciated how collaborative Wendy was as a leader. She listened to the staff and trusted us to be leaders in responding together to the many new teaching and learning needs that emerged. We have become a stronger team under her leadership, and I’m excited about the many new avenues we have for promoting, supporting and celebrating the great teaching that happens on our campus.”
The Centre did not have to look far when it came to finding Wendy’s successor. Jason Lisi, Director of Curriculum Quality Assurance, a resource unit within the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, was appointed as the new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2022.
Jason is looking forward to continuing the work put in place by Wendy and says he could not imagine a better inaugural Executive Director.
“Wendy’s vast experience, immense knowledge, and her passion for learning and teaching resulted in extremely strong leadership in an intensely challenging time. Under Wendy’s leadership, the Centre has become a place of community and belonging, and because of the groundwork Wendy has set, it will continue to grow and evolve in spectacular ways.”
Following her final week as Executive Director, Wendy will be taking a much-deserved sabbatical. We wish her all the very best. Thank you Wendy!
