Fleming College has a new interim president and CEO, with Glenn Vollebregt stepping into the role on Monday (Nov. 9).
Vollebregt is also president and CEO of St. Lawrence College, which announced earlier this year it will merge with Fleming in a first-of-its-kind union of post-secondary institutions in Ontario. The formal integration is planned for April 1, 2027.
Last spring, Vollebregt was named as the president and CEO of the integrated college, with Fleming’s interim administrator, Dr. Theresa Knott, taking on the role of associate president and chief academic officer.
“I am honoured to take on this expanded responsibility at such an important point in our journey,” Vollebregt said. “Fleming and St. Lawrence each bring tremendous strengths, proud histories and deep connections to the communities they serve. As we move forward, my focus will be on bringing those strengths together to build an institution that is innovative, resilient and positioned to expand how we support student, employers and the Eastern Ontario region.”
Both colleges will continue to operate as separate institutions until formal integration in the spring, with their respective governance structures, academic responsibilities and commitments to students and communities remaining in place.
In a release to media, Fleming’s chair of the board of governors, Karen Jensen, said the merger process will ramp up in the coming months. That includes advancing academic, operational and organizational planning; supporting employees through the transition; and engaging students and communities.
“Bringing the two colleges under unified executive leadership at this stage will strengthen co-ordination and support timely, accountable decision-making as the integration progresses,” Jensen said.
The colleges say the integration is intended to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, and create a stable foundation for long-term growth.
It is still not yet known what impact the merger will have on the Haliburton School of Art + Design, which has been without a dean since Xavier Masse was removed in February. Fleming later confirmed it had eliminated the position.
Fleming has other campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay and Cobourg, while St. Lawrence has locations in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.
