Sault College president wins Chamber's economic impact award

Sault College president Dr. Ron Common was presented this past weekend with the Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Economic Impact Award (Individual).

Selected by the CEO of the Chamber, the award recognizes and honours an individual who has positively impacted the local community and has made a significant contribution to the economic vitality of Sault Ste. Marie in terms of capital investment, job creation and facility expansion.

The Economic Impact Awards were created to recognize those who go above and beyond to promote economic growth and prosperity in the region and the local business community.

Dr. Common has been at the helm of Sault College for more than 15 years and has been a true example of leadership, transformation, and innovation, the college said in a news release. 

At its most recent assessment, Sault College injected $355 million in economic impact to the local economy.

Under his leadership, the college has reached numerous milestones, including:

• building critical infrastructure of over $120 million in capital construction
• growing student enrolment to record levels last year
• sustaining a steadfast commitment to Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation efforts
• creating various new programs, including the Bachelor of Engineering – Mechatronics degree program offered in partnership with Humber College, and the college's stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Practical Registered Nurse to BScN programs

“The Sault College Board of Governors would like to congratulate Dr. Ron Common on this achievement and extend our sincere appreciation for his continued leadership and unwavering dedication to education and the community," said Shauna Hynna, board of governors chair. 

"His forward-thinking efforts and passion have contributed to the college’s growth and positively impacted Sault Ste. Marie."

Dr. Common's leadership and vision have resulted in numerous accolades for the college, such as being nationally recognized as the Gold Recipient of Colleges and Institutes Canada's (CiCan) Indigenous Education Excellence Award (2016-17) and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award (2021-22).

Additionally, Dr. Common and Sault College have been honoured with 50 awards from the Chamber of Commerce.