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In an abrupt move on Wednesday, Conestoga College’s president John Tibbits announced his retirement “effective today.”
In an email to students and employees at the college, obtained by CBC News, Tibbits wrote, “This decision comes with deep reflection and immense gratitude.”
“Over the past months, I have worked closely with the board [of governors] and the senior leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and to position the college for continued success.”
Tibbits is 80 years old. He had initially planned to retire in August 2024, but was asked to remain in his role. In March of this year, his contract was extended to the end of December 2026.
In September, the school announced they had started the process to find a new president by March 2026.
“I had planned to retire two years ago and deferred my departure a few times to support continuity during a period of significant change,” Tibbits said on Wednesday.
Norma McDonald Ewing will serve as interim president until a new leader is found by the board.
“On a personal note, as I get older and following the recent passing of my brother before the holiday and my partner four years ago, I feel it is time to spend more time with my family,” Tibbits continued in his note on Wednesday.
“While this chapter is closing, I will never be far from the Conestoga family. This place, and the people within it, will always be held dear in my heart.”
Last month, Conestoga College issued nearly 400 layoff notices including to 181 full-time faculty and 197 support staff.
Staff are ‘celebrating,’ says union
Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the union that represents faculty and support staff, says workers are “celebrating the start of a new chapter” after hearing news of Tibbits’ immediate resignation.
In a press release, Leopold Koff, president of OPSEU Local 237, called the former Conestoga president’s tenure “destructive” for members of the college community.
“This win belongs to every worker, student, and neighbour that has been devastated by John Tibbits’ destructive tenure,” he said. “Now the adults can sit down and talk.”
Koff challenged Tibbits’ salary increases in the midst of job losses.
“We hope this change in order will rectify Tibbits’ outlandish salary, which was one of our recommendations to the college alongside his resignation,” he said.
Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU Local 238, was one of the hundreds of people laid off last month. She says she’s looking forward to new leadership.
“Norma McDonald Ewing, the new interim President, can start building a brighter, collaborative future through open dialogue with union leaders and the student association,” Poirier said in the press release.
“To undo Tibbits’ legacy of ruin, we need to be directly involved in reform and the search for new leadership.”