A new leader is set to take over at Lambton College.
“On behalf of the Lambton College Board of Governors, it is with great pride I announce that Robert J. Kardas has been selected the 11th President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lambton College,” stated Janice McMichael-Dennis, chair of the Lambton College board of governors.
“Rob’s selection is the result of the Board’s extensive recruitment process that began following Judith Morris’ retirement announcement in February 2020. His appointment will be effective July 1, 2021.”
McMichael-Dennis said the current Vice President, Academic and Student Success, Kardas has dedicated his professional life to higher education, and has amassed over 23 years of progressive leadership experience at Lambton College.
“It became obvious through the selection process that Rob is deeply entrenched in the Lambton College culture and an integral part of its mission of student and community success,” McMichael-Dennis said.
“From his time as a professor in the Sports & Recreation Administration program to his college leadership positions in academic operations, student success, community engagement and campus services, to his current role as a Vice President, Rob has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the students of Lambton College. He has worked to increase access to the College’s world-class education and student life experience, helping to create a diverse and inclusive student body. He also notably developed a comprehensive partnership with the College’s Student Administrative Council that resulted in the building of Lambton College’s new Athletics & Fitness Complex, a premier facility in the Ontario college landscape.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kardas’ leadership has played an essential role in the College’s plan-ahead response, providing stability and continuity for students, employees and community partners alike, McMichael-Dennis said.
With the College’s senior leadership team, he has also helped develop a post-COVID strategy that centres around sustainable innovation and growth for Lambton College and the Sarnia-Lambton community.
“In his time at Lambton College and in Sarnia-Lambton, Rob has been a great champion of the community, facilitating close working relationships with business and industry to address workforce needs and help graduates become future ready,” McMichael-Dennis said.
“He also lends his trusted voice, experience and expertise to numerous local and provincial boards. He is well prepared to grow the strong bonds between the College and community that have been so mutually beneficial. We are certain that Rob’s values-driven leadership style and genuine passion for Lambton College will continue to position us for excellence, and I look forward to watching him lift this already great institution to even greater heights.”
Kardas hails from Welland, Ontario where he graduated from Notre Dame College School, McMichael-Dennis sais.
He holds Master of Human Kinetics and Bachelor of Human Kinetics degrees, both from the University of Windsor.
Rob married Heather Paxton from Wallaceburg and moved from Welland in 1997.
They live in Sarnia and are the proud parents of two daughters, Fayth, 18, and Mackenzie, 12.
“I would like to thank members of the college community who provided input through our many interviews, presentations, consultations and meetings,” McMichael-Dennis said.
“With the help of Phelps Executive Search, our recruitment process attracted an impressive pool of exceptional candidates from across the country. With this comprehensive search, we are confident we have chosen the best leader for Lambton College and our future.”
McMichael-Dennis added: “I would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Judith Morris. Her efforts and achievements cannot be overstated. She will continue as President & CEO until Rob assumes his new duties on July 1, 2021.”
