Carol Stewart is the new Director of the Parkland campus at Assiniboine Community College (ACC). She takes over the position from Gabe Mercier, who was Director for eleven years.

Stewart grew up in Dauphin and graduated from the DRCSS.

"I'm so pleased to be moving back here, it's an adventure for sure, [and] this time I'm bringing my family with me", commented Stewart.

After finishing high school in Dauphin, she went on to attend Brandon University. She then went on to graduate school at Western University in London, Ontario. Her time at Western led her to become an instructor for a few courses in geography and international development. Following that, she got a job with the Employment Sector Council in Ontario which is a network of organizations in southwest Ontario that deliver employment training and education programs.

"It really was a great sphere to be engaged with because it really demonstrates the importance of building a great work force, of supporting job-seekers and students, and engaging employers so that they know where they can find the talent that they need to grow their businesses as well", said Stewart.

When it comes to being the director of ACC's Parkland Campus, she mentioned she looks forward to getting to know everyone, as well as building on the existing relationships and partnerships that ACC has developed with the community. 

"Our biggest aim is to always be responsive to what employers and the business community need in terms of talent so that we can help to prepare students and eventual graduates to enter great jobs in their fields."

Stewart also mentioned the school hopes to grow the already significant population of Indigenous students at ACC, citing the population and the community-based contract programs as one of ACC's strengths in the Parkland.

"We welcome Indigenous students, faculty and staff, and community organizations to partner with us in any number of ways, and my plan is to grow that more."

Stewart welcomes people reaching out and you can contact her by calling the ACC Parkland Campus main phone line at 204-622-2222.