The College of New Caledonia (CNC) marks a new chapter as it officially welcomed its first female president and CEO,  Cindy Heitman.  She was installed in the role at the November meeting of the CNC's Board of Governors.

Though the college is now on its 54th year of operation, the symbolism of this moment isn’t lost on Heitman, “I think what makes it even more significant for me personally is that I’m from this community, and I’m from the North.” Heitman’s credentials originate from CNC itself, where she spent her first two years of higher education.

She cites current challenges the institution faces -- its northern geography; addressing educational needs specific to the region; and increasing accessibility for all students with Indigenization in mind. As she explores these challenges, she stresses the importance of networking, stating “your first few years are really about mobilizing, relationship building, creating communities to do this work.”