Meet Mohawk College’s Newest President

Mohawk College’s newest president isn’t new to the college at all. Paul Armstrong started as a student at Mohawk College in the late 1980s, graduating with a diploma in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound and Radiological Technology. More than four decades later, Armstrong was offered the college’s top position. Officially stepping into the role in July, Armstrong became the 9th president of Mohawk College and says he has a lot to accomplish.

Armstrong started college wanting to work in the healthcare field and was eventually hired as the Dean of Health Sciences. But when new opportunities presented themselves, he decided to further his career at Queen’s University and later at Harvard University. 

“I realized at that point that I still had more time left in my career, and if I was going to advance, I needed to look at some advanced credentials,” Armstrong said. “So I did my Master’s as a way to build my breadth of knowledge. And then, just more recently, I had an opportunity to further define my leadership competencies through the program at Harvard.”

Armstrong’s aspiration for the top spot stemmed from his hope to help the people he’s grown to care for for many years and ensure they have everything necessary to continue to help their students strive. 

“I want to be able to continue to work with the amazing people that I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last number of years,” Armstrong said. “My primary goal for [Mohawk College employees] is making sure that they have the tools to do their best because if they’re doing their best, then our students are going to be able to get their best experience.”

Armstrong says he hopes students see him as an authentic president they can have conversations with and not be afraid to share their thoughts.

“I hope when students see me in the halls they feel free to just stop and talk to me and bring their ideas forward,” he said. “So I hope that they know that I’m present, engaged, committed, and someone who is approachable and is seen as a true champion of this place.”

In addition, the president said he has big plans for the college in the coming years, including a new campus in Burlington to focus on healthcare education, leveraging local job opportunities and qualified students.

Another current goal is the launch of the School of Climate Action.

“There’s a whole industry revolving around changing technology related to sustainability and the green economy,” he explained. “We’ll be launching that over the next year or so, with four new programs, some new applied research opportunities.”

Kyra Crawford is a first-year Mohawk College student and shared what she thinks the new president should consider when leading the school.

 “[The president should] listen to people’s opinions and keep them in mind when making decisions that will affect the college,” Crawford said. “[He should] take into consideration how to help and how to improve students’ experience here at Mohawk.”

 Lenny Benson, an MSA (Mohawk Students’ Association) employee explained what Armstrong could improve at the college and how he can get closer to the students.

 “Communication between students and those who work at the school can be improved even more. As much as we have witnessed growing connections over the past couple of years, there is still room for improvement,” Benson said. “I also think being welcoming is most important because a good number of students are in college doing it on their own and it can be difficult in the beginning.”

Armstrong said his journey from student to president was a long but rewarding one. His advice to those starting their college journey is to challenge themselves and take opportunities when they’re presented.

He also added that when students aren’t afraid to take risks that’s when they’ll feel rewarded and fulfilled.