Algoma U bids a fond farewell to Krista Pearson

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

************************** Algoma U bids a fond farewell to Krista Pearson

SAULT STE. MARIE - (July 31) - After seven years of dedicated service Algoma University is bidding a warm, if reluctant, farewell to Registrar and Director of Enrolment Services Krista Pearson.

She will be moving with her family to Lethbridge, Alberta to become the associate vice-president of Lethbridge College.

Her last day of work at Algoma U is July 31.

A native of Nova Scotia and a former employee of Acadia University, Pearson first came to Algoma U in 2002 when she accepted the position of director of external relations.

She went on to become registrar of the university in September of 2003.

During Pearson's tenure with Algoma U, enrolment increased by more than 40 percent and the school was granted full university status by the provincial government.

Also noteworthy during her term was a newfound emphasis placed on internationalism.

Today, approximately 10 percent of the student body at Algoma U are international students.

There are also a variety of other initiatives that Pearson helped spearhead, such as exchange programs with universities abroad and the WUSC (World University Service Canada) student refugee program, that have contributed to the growing diversity of the Algoma U community.

"I think what I am most proud of was the team I was able to work with and help create," says Pearson, in regards to her accomplishments. "The staff at Algoma U are smart, talented and hard-working."

Pearson's time in Sault Ste. Marie was also very fruitful from a personal standpoint.

While here, she married Algoma District School Board Principal Tim Pearson and gave birth to a son, Kai.

She also completed her Masters' degree, graduating from Nipissing University and began work on her PhD.

"I've loved living in Sault Ste. Marie," says Pearson, "as it reminds me of Nova Scotia. The people are friendly, the community is family-oriented and there are many opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. For instance, I enjoyed being a part of the Sault Stryders running club where I was able to meet people and stay active. With Tim's family being from the Sault, I look forward to returning to visit the community and my friends at Algoma U."

"It is always a matter of mixed-feelings to say goodbye to an employee of Krista's talents and abilities," says Dr. Celia Ross, president of Algoma U. "However, we wish her nothing but the best in her exciting new position with Lethbridge College. On behalf of the Algoma U community I would like to sincerely thank Krista for her years of service and invaluable contributions to the administrative team at Algoma University."

Algoma University has begun the process of recruiting a new registrar and director of enrollment services.

Long-time Algoma U employee Dave Marasco has been promoted to the position of associate registrar and will serve as the acting-registrar until a successful candidate is selected.

About Algoma University

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social Development, and Biology; Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario.

As the Canadian home of the internationally recognized MSc CGT from the University of Abertay Dundee, Algoma University is at the forefront of computer games technology education.

Algoma University also offers accelerated second degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science on its Brampton campus.

To learn more about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.

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