Parkland welcomes new campus director, Valerie McInnes

Assiniboine Community College is announcing the appointment of Valerie McInnes as the new Director, Parkland Campus, following the retirement of longtime campus director, Gabe Mercier. McInnes steps into the role with more than five years experience at Assiniboine, with strong ties to Dauphin and the Parkland region, and 32 years in education.

“I know Parkland campus offers an exceptional college experience close to home for those in the region, with a welcoming community of learners and staff that want to walk alongside you as you plan your academic journey,” said McInnes.

It is with great excitement that I return to the Parkland campus, continuing my commitment to Assiniboine’s vision.

McInnes’ time at Assiniboine started in 2005, when she worked as an instructor in the Mature Student High School and Early Childhood Education programs at Parkland campus for two years. After working in the public school system from 2007 to 2018, she came back to Assiniboine as the Student Success Advisor and Learning Strategist for students at the Parkland campus. In November 2019, she took a Faculty Development Coach position at the Victoria Avenue East campus in Brandon. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and pivoted her priority in this position to walking alongside faculty as they moved to remote instruction.

“The past 16 months have presented dramatic challenges for education at all level, but have also showcased the ingenuity, resilience and determination of leadership and educators across our province, the country and the world,” said McInnes.

Throughout her career in education, McInnes has worked as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, guidance counsellor and administrator. She obtained her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba and is currently working to complete her Masters of Education at Brandon University, with a focus on educational leadership.

McInnes has lived in Dauphin for 14 years with her husband David, with whom she shares three adult children. She says her children said it best when they expressed, “Mom, you have worked your whole career for this.”

I look forward to bringing my experiences, knowledge and passion to my new role, to create an engaging, supportive learning environment for both students and staff.