I am delighted to announce that David Porter will be joining Humber as our new Dean of Innovative Learning and Senior Special Advisor for Flexible Learning.

As a recognized system leader and expert in online learning and innovative teaching and learning, David will bring tremendous knowledge and experience to support the development of Humber’s new Flexible Learning strategy. Our new Flexible Learning strategy will encompass continuing and professional education, digital learning, the scholarship of teaching and learning and the development of related professional learning and supports for faculty members and staff across our six Faculties.

David has been involved in open and distance learning since the 1990s. Whether in roles in the elementary, secondary or post-secondary sectors, he has been an advocate for adapting new technologies to create educational opportunities. In his current role as CEO of eCampusOntario, he has played a significant role in positioning Ontario as a leader in technology enabled learning, overseeing tremendous organizational growth and building and developing networks across the country and the globe. At eCampusOntario, David has been on the frontlines of increasing access across the province to quality online learning experiences at 45 member institutions. Under his leadership, eCampusOntario has empowered educators to explore emerging technologies and new pedagogical practices and championed a learner-centred approach to the creation of online and technology-enabled programs.

Among his many professional roles, David served as Associate Vice President, Educational Support and Innovation at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and as the Executive Director of BCcampus, where he led the team that launched Canada’s first publicly funded open textbook program.

In addition to overseeing the Innovative / Flexible Learning Strategy, David will collaborate with leaders across Humber’s academic division, ETS, International and other departments, as well as with external partners, to ensure we are meeting our industry and community partners’ professional learning and corporate training needs today, and anticipating how those will continue to evolve.

David holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a Master’s of Education and Doctor of Education from Simon Fraser University. David was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

David will start in his new role in February 2020. As the Dean of Innovative Learning, David will report directly to me in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Innovative Learning. In his role as Senior Special Advisor for Flexible Learning, David will report to me and also to Laurie Rancourt, Senior Vice President Academic.

Vera Beletzan
Senior Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Innovative Learning