Rebecca Mearns has assumed the role of acting president of Nunavut Arctic College.
David Joanasie – himself acting minister responsible for the college since former minister Patterk Netser was relieved of his portfolios by Premier Joe Savikataaq earlier this month – made the announcement in the legislative assembly on Wednesday.
photo courtesy of Nunavut Arctic College
Mearns was previously vice-president of the college and she was instrumental in the finalization of the institution's partnership with Memorial University in Newfoundland, according to Joanasie. Prior to that, Mearns served as dean of education, Inuit and university studies. In that role, she supported programs such as the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, Inuit Studies, and the Interpreter/Translator Program. It also gave her insight into the broader operations of the college, according to Joanasie.
"Ms. Mearns brings a wide range of professional experience to the position of acting president. She served as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with postings in both Kimmirut and Cambridge Bay. She was an instructor at the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa while completing her master’s degree with Carleton University. She worked with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association as its IIBA coordinator and served as my executive assistant once upon a time," Joanasie said.