Georgian administrator recognized with province-wide lifetime achievement award

Michelle Rao, Manager, School College Partnerships, received the Doug Light Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario College Administrators Network (OCASA) for her outstanding achievements and significant influence on college education throughout her career.

The award was presented virtually during the association’s Leaders and Innovators Conference on Dec. 8.

“Michelle truly embodies the spirit of the award and has made a tremendous impact throughout her career at Georgian, across the Ontario college system, and in the lives of countless students,” says Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes. “All of us at Georgian are inspired by her leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to student access and success. We’re very proud!”

Among many accomplishments over more than two decades in the college system, Michelle has been instrumental in:

• Developing and leading programs to support student pathways to college, which included piloting dual credits in 2005. The dual credit program has grown from 361 students across Ontario to more than 25,000 – including 1,000+ at Georgian
• Influencing student retention and success rates in our School College Partnerships programs that exceed the provincial average
• Leading the Regional Planning Team that covers central Ontario, bringing together five school board partners to collaborate on a common delivery plan
• Securing funding and substantially growing Georgian’s School Within a College budget to support students – from $13,000 to in excess of $2M
• Ensuring students – many at-risk youth – feel seen, heard and connected by personally visiting classes and engaging with them across all seven of Georgian’s campuses each semester

• Advising regularly on provincial issues and sharing knowledge and best practices with peers at other colleges
• Modelling lifelong learning by completing her own degree while working full-time; this has encouraged many of her peers and team members to do the same
• Ensuring continuity for students during the COVID-19 pandemic by navigating ever-changing college and school board protocols

 

“This award reflects Michelle’s position as a provincial leader and the respect and appreciation she’s gained from across the college sector,” says Patricia Whittington, lead nominator and Director, Indigenous Services and Access Programs at Georgian. “Although she still has more to contribute to the Georgian community and beyond, this recognition is well-deserved and acknowledges Michelle’s commitment to excellence in supporting both students and colleagues to reach their goals.”

Michelle was deeply honoured and surprised to receive the award.

“It’s amazing to be recognized by those I work with in the college system,” she says. “I’m proud of our team’s shared accomplishments. I know I’m getting the recognition but this is all truly a group effort. I want to thank all those who’ve coached and supported me, and for all the staff and faculty on my team who’ve made such an incredible difference in the lives of our students.”

Her team says, “Michelle goes above and beyond and back again. Her work changes, and even saves, the lives of youth. She’s a strong moral compass that points toward helping those marginalized and at risk have access to the education and opportunities they deserve.”

Congratulations, Michelle!

About School College Partnerships at Georgian

These programs are run across our campuses and designed to provide opportunities for students, often disengaged in the high school environment, to explore the college pathway:

Dual credit: Students take a course taught by a Georgian faculty member that counts toward their high school diploma and that’s also recognized at college if they choose to attend a program for which it’s a requirement. The program is a chance to sample postsecondary education and build confidence.

School Within a College: High school students complete their diploma at a Georgian campus, taking a dual credit, one common high school course as a class, and completing remaining credits through independent learning, online courses, credit recovery, or co-op.

Learn more.