Dr. Brian L. Desbiens, Chair

Student success and innovative learning and teaching strategies have been Dr. Desbiens’s focus throughout his career. He has contributed to the development of numerous education policies and sat on government panels, including the working group established to reform the secondary school structure in the 1990s. Dr. Desbiens has also served on the boards of several provincial and national organizations, such as the Ontario Committee of Presidents, the National Advisory Board on Science and Technology and the Canadian College Presidents’ Network.

Dr. Desbiens was president of Sir Sandford Fleming College for 16 years. He began his career as a faculty member and counsellor at St. Clair College and later became head of counselling and health services, dean of students, vice-president of administration and principal of the college’s Thames campus. He has taught at the secondary, college and university levels.

Dr. Desbiens holds a master’s degree in guidance counselling and higher education and a doctorate in counselling psychology.