I am writing today to advise the Humber community that Jason Powell, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness, will be leaving Humber in the new year.
Jason’s commitment to Humber is longstanding. His journey began when as a student in 1993 he completed the Nursing diploma program. In 2002, he began working as a contract faculty member supporting pre-graduate nursing students in practice, teaching Coronary Care in Continuing Education, and teaching in the Nursing diploma program.
After completing his Master of Science (Nursing) in 2005, Jason became a full-time faculty member, and assumed Program Coordinator responsibilities for the Practical Nursing Diploma Program. He became Dean of the School of Health Sciences in May 2011. For the past 13 years, under Jason’s strategic leadership the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness has experienced unprecedented growth, adding credentials in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Systems Navigation, Hearing Instrument Specialist, Health Sector Regulatory Compliance, and most recently, a Baccalaureate degree in Biomedical Sciences, and postgraduate certificates in Infection Prevention & Control, and Clinical Bioinformatics. A source of pride for Jason, during his tenure as Senior Dean, Humber successfully obtained approval to offer the first standalone college Nursing Honours Degree (BScN) in the province.
Jason was pivotal in the creation of innovative laboratories and teaching spaces. In 2018, F-wing opened, with state-of-the-art Bioscience labs, a Funeral Services suite equipped with an embalming lab and cosmetology lab, and Humber’s first HIVES (Humber Interactive Spaces), providing dynamic learning environments for students. The Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness has consistently offered innovative programming and has demonstrated a commitment to transformation that is responsive to shifting labour market and community needs, producing career-ready graduates prepared to serve Ontarians in their health and wellness journeys.
Throughout his leadership journey, Jason has been an inspirational figure, consistently striving for excellence, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration within Humber and with community partners. He generously shares the vast knowledge gained throughout his career in the Ontario college sector and as a Registered Nurse. His service-driven and forward-thinking approach, and his boundless energy, will be missed.
The next chapter of Jason’s career will see him seek international nursing and postsecondary opportunities. Please join me in wishing him well as he transitions from his role as Senior Dean in early 2024.
As Jason departs, I’m pleased to share that Kristan Lingard will take on the role of Acting Senior Dean, effective January 3, 2024. Please join me in welcoming Kristan to this new role.
Gina Antonacci
Senior Vice President, Academic