After 39 years of dedicated and exemplary service, it is both with happiness and a touch of sadness that I announce the retirement of Wanda Buote, Dean Education and Training Services, known as ETS, this coming November. Wanda has been an integral part of Humber, contributing her passion, commitment, and expertise to everything she has done. Throughout her career, Wanda has been a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration for both her colleagues and the many individuals that she has worked with. Her leadership, guidance, and vision have touched the lives of countless people, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
Starting from her grassroots beginning at Humber's bookstore in 1986, Wanda’s career is a testament to her dedication and passion for education. Her energy, passion, business acumen and creativity have helped move Humber forward across multiple areas, including in her progressive roles as Scheduler, Operations Manager, Director of Continuing Education, Director of Partnership Programs and Associate Dean in the Longo Faculty of Business (known as the Business School during her tenure); Acting Director, International; Principal of the Lakeshore Campus; and for the past seven years, Wanda has achieved much in her current role as Dean, Education & Training Solutions under the External Affairs and Professional Learning portfolio specifically working with associations and regulators. Most notably responsible for launching and managing Humber’s two largest and complex Continuous and Professional Learning regulated programs – the Real Estate Education Programs launched in 2019 & 2025 and Condominium Management Program in 2021 as well as the Mortgage Agent 1 Program in 2025. Wanda is equally proud of her work supporting the Testing Services pillar of her portfolio. She was integral in securing Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Examination delivery contract in 2024 adding to pillar’s numerous credential testing agreements. Testing Services supported the delivery of upwards of 100,000 exams per year during peak enrolment times. Wanda has expressed her pride in having worked with many talented staff and professionals over the years; she is thankful for their dedication, passion, and effort in supporting the success of many, many Humber graduates.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Wanda for her unwavering dedication to supporting various college-wide initiatives over the years. Her leadership as United Way Co-Chair, Humber Gives Co-Chair, Humber’s Board of Governors Administrative Representative, and her involvement in numerous Humber committees has had a lasting impact.
Wanda's pride in her community work shines through her roles as Principal, particularly in the Lakeshore community. Her service on the Lakeshore Grounds Coordinating Committee, Lakeshore Lodge Long Term Care Home, the Gardens Project and the LAMP Community Health Centre Board for six years exemplifies her commitment. She was instrumental in launching the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, leading stakeholder engagement, creating the vision and operational plan, and ensuring the community's active participation throughout the process. Wanda has demonstrated commitment to excellence, leadership, and community involvement through being awarded Humber’s Distinguished Support Staff Service Award, Distinguished Administrative Service Award and the Community Service Award and recently Robert A. Gordon Leadership Award.
Looking ahead, we plan to realign the departments within the Education & Training Solutions portfolio as part of our ongoing efforts to improve operational capacity and increase synergies. As such, Wanda will continue to oversee ETS until her departure in mid-November, at that time her direct reports will report directly to me.
As Wanda steps into this well-deserved next chapter of her life, we wish her nothing but happiness, health, and new adventures. While she will be greatly missed, we are excited for her to enjoy more time with family (especially in her new role as GW), time with friends and travelling with her husband Martin. Warmest wishes for your future endeavors! Please join us on November 4th on the 5th Floor of the Barrett Centre from 2 to 4pm to wish her well.
Jennifer O’Brien
VP, People(s), Culture and Organizational Excellence