Conestoga College extends president contract until 2026

Despite what some might refer to as a tumultuous year, the Conestoga College Board of Governors has announced a contract extension for president John Tibbits.

He will remain in place until December 31, 2026.

In a release, the board said, “(The decision was made) to ensure the continuity of our success, and to enable the college to respond to the pressing community, workforce and industry needs we believe will be required over the coming months and into the next year.”

It said under Tibbits leadership the college has made key investments in its biomedical and pharmaceutical labs while also completing major facilities upgrades to the campuses in Guelph, Waterloo and Kitchener.

The release mentioned extensive investments in affordable student housing, one of the issues that caught negative attention this past year.

Even with the extension announced, the board said it was still focused on future leadership and would be working to develop and enact a succession roadmap to ensure a seamless transition in 2026.

Conestoga was criticized for the number of international students it was accepting, with people pointing to the lack of student housing as a key issue.

David Orazietti, president of Sault College, was perhaps the most vocal. He called out Conestoga in public last year, which led to a verbal spat between himself and Tibbits that turned ugly.

Tibbits used a derogatory word directed at Orazietti, of which he said he was apologetic for.

Despite the apology, Sault College filed a $200,000 defamation lawsuit against Conestoga College and Tibbits.

The lawsuit has not been resolved.