President of Conestoga College unexpectedly retires
Posted Jan 14, 2026 04:29:47 PM.
Last Updated Jan 15, 2026 06:49:55 AM.
The president of Conestoga College is leaving his role prior to the end of his recently-extended contract.
An email from the college’s Board of Governors, obtained by 570 NewsRadio, says John Tibbits has decided to retire after a 40-year career at the college.
It states, “John’s belief in the value of industry and community insight and the work of our Program Advisory Committees has been central to keeping Conestoga’s programs relevant and responsive to workforce needs.”
Norma McDonald Ewing will serve as interim president until an official president is named.
The college announced in March that Tibbits’ contract had been extended until the end of 2026 but in September announced it had begun steps to find Tibbits’ replacement.
In a statement, Conestoga College said, “He (Tibbits) had originally planned to retire in December 2024 and deferred his departure to support continuity during a period of transition.”
His retirement is effective immediately.
Tibbits has come under fire in recent years over the number of international students accepted at the college and issues with student housing scarcity. That led to a spicy back-and-forth between Tibbits and the president of Sault College, David Orazietti that resulted in a lawsuit.
Tibbits has served as president of Conestoga College since 1987.
