With nearly 15 years of academic leadership experience, Okanagan College’s newest dean is set to bring a plethora of knowledge to the school.
OC announced on Friday that Joe Baker will be joining the college as the dean of the OC School of Business.
“I am excited to join Okanagan College and their well-renowned school of business and to work with everyone in the department and across OC to inspire and educate students,” said Baker.
“It is exciting to be joining a team whose objective is for students to succeed and grow so that they in turn can help their communities and the economy thrive.”
Baker had previously spent time in leadership roles at George Brown College and Centennial College.
In his time at Centennial College, Baker played a role in the development of a student housing and learning centre.
The centre houses the school’s hospitality, tourism and culinary arts program.
In recent years, he has led a consulting business that focused on the public sector.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Joe bring his incredible depth of experience in the education, hospitality and tourism sectors to Okanagan College,” said Neil Fassina, OC president.
Fassina added that Baker is joining the school at an exciting time as the OC Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism is slated to break ground in the near future and open in 2026.
Baker is replacing William Gillett, who has led the OC School of Business to several awards, including a fourth-place finish at the Enactus World Cup last year.
