The Algoma region is often thought of as a home of originality, innovation, and ideas worth spreading. The Division for Professional and Continuing Education at Algoma U is dedicated to fostering this heritage by meeting the needs of our industries and communities for continuing education and providing increased opportunities for lifelong learners.
The Division for Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) delivers non-degree credits education opportunities provided by professional instructors and staff of Algoma University. The programs offered by PACE include continuing education graduate certificates or microcredentials and are targeted toward working professionals, lifelong learners, and everyone interested in upskilling and accessing education in flexible and innovative ways.
At Algoma's Professional and Continuing Education division, we cater to community learning and upskilling. PACE creates new ways for the University to bring information to a new group of learners who would like to further their education and navigate changing environments characterized by innovation.
The Professional and Continuing Education programs offered through Algoma University benefit both lifelong learners and the community of Ontario by contributing to the local economy through expanded educational opportunities.
When everyone has access to education, they can better contribute to their families, organizations, and communities they are a part of. By offering programs for continuing education, Algoma's PACE division aims to strengthen economic and social grounds, encourage upskilling, and create flourishing communities.
Algoma University's focus on cross-cultural learning and the framework of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion serves as its key differentiator from other educational institutions around the globe. In developing educational programs for lifelong learners, PACE at Algoma acts on the same principles to create opportunities to learn from and with each other in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
By promoting Equity, PACE at Algoma ensures access to what every person needs by removing barriers that are disadvantageous to certain groups above others.
PACE at Algoma values and respects all aspects of being human, and is inclusive of visible and invisible qualities, which can be based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, religion, political views, or socio-economic status as well as personality, style, or capabilities.
The Division for Professional and Continuing Education at Algoma University values, recognizes, and respects the diversity of thought, experiences, skills, and talents of all. PACE at Algoma offers unique opportunities to underrepresented groups, including Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, or LGBTQ+ communities.
Dr. István Imre is a Professor in the Department of Biology. He holds a B.Sc. (Fisheries Biology, 1997) and a M.Sc. (Zoology, 1999) degree from University of Guelph and a Ph.D. from Concordia University (Biology, 2003). Dr. Imre completed postdoctoral fellowships at Université de Montréal and McGill University before accepting a tenure-track position at Algoma University in 2006. His research interests include population ecology of salmonid fishes and behavioural and chemical ecology of invasive species, such as sea lamprey. Dr. Imre was instrumental in developing the University’s esteemed four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology program and the highly successful Department of Biology. In 2013, Dr. Imre received the Distinguished Faculty Award. Over the years, he served in a broad variety of roles, including Chair of the Biology department, Assistant Dean of Learner Success and Wellbeing, Associate Academic Dean, Academic Programs and Curriculum, and Acting Academic Dean. Most recently he has been serving Algoma University as its first Associate Vice President, Academic since July 1, 2022.
Sumbul Syed is the Founding Director of Professional and Continuing Education at Algoma University. With over a decade of experience in the post-secondary education sector, Sumbul takes a strategic, and data-driven approach in design and program development. Through investigation of market and economic changes, she curates elements of training to position learners with skills for the future.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Cognitive Science of Languages) Degree from McMaster University andProject Management Certificate from Sheridan College. Prior to joining Algoma University, Sumbul has held multiple roles within higher education in institutions such as McMaster University, McGill University, Sheridan College to support development of programs, quality assurance and working closely with accrediting/governing bodies.
Sumbul is responsible for establishing and oversight of policy and procedures for Continuing Education as well as the development, coordination, and management of a collection of non-degree programs and courses. These courses are part of an expanding catalog of programs to support upskilling and reskilling, professional development as well as community and interest based programming for a range of learners.This includes post-secondary learning programs and activities designed for individuals seeking additional education and credentials, which may include micro-credentials, certificates, and other various formats.
Sumbul is passionate about lifelong learning and encourages others to learn and engage whether it through a course, or a book. She is also a strong advocate for accessible education for all ages; most recently she has been leading activities and programming in Women’s Empowerment both nationally and internationally.
Li Chou (Harrison) Chen always aspired to be a mathematics teacher, but the turn of the millennium led him down a different path into the information technology industry. Harrison holds an Honours Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Business Administration from the University of Waterloo, with a minor in Human Resources. He proudly serves as a project, program, and portfolio management leader who has dedicated his entire career to the field.
Over the past 18 years, he has progressed from the most junior role in the project management profession to strategically leading the Project Management Offices for the past seven years across the Ontario government agency, the City of Toronto agency, and the Ontario College education sector.
Harrison is passionate about nurturing the next generation of project management talent. In the past, he dedicated his time to mentoring international learners at the University of Waterloo and served as a Program Advisory Committee member for Project Management at both Conestoga College and Sheridan College.
Joining Algoma University fulfills a dream for Harrison, offering an opportunity to apply his project management skills to address daily operational challenges, champion program improvements, and indirectly contribute to the growth of future project management talent. While he may never become a mathematics teacher, leading a set of sustainable and successful programs with thousands of learners and professionals is equally, if not more, rewarding.
Priscilla is the Program Manager for Professional Development. She manages certificate programs, strategically aligning them with Algoma University's Special Mission and the evolving landscape of labor market trends. She supports the expansion of program offerings in response to the dynamic needs of Algoma University's campus communities, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities and - empowering individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills to advance in their careers.
She holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University. With over five years of project management experience, she has dedicated over three of those years working in public and private Universities operating in Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick collaborating with various stakeholders, developing programs, leading quality assurance mandates.
Based from our Brampton Campus, Alex oversees the portfolio of Workforce Skills & Development, with a specific focus to to identify industry related skills, gaps and opportunities for continuous learning. Additionally, Alex’s role also entails understanding workplace trends specific to the development of micro-credentials looking to upskill and re-skill individuals. Micro-Credentials are short-term learning opportunities which are flexible and looking to give specific industry related skills relative to current workforce trends. These short-term learning pathways promote continuous learning with a hope of creating increased job opportunities and new avenues for potential employment.
Alex actively engages with local businesses and organizations, collaborating to understand their challenges and opportunities to develop programming pathways that will support their workforce. If you are looking to learn more about micro-credentials, wish to discuss workplace trends, and exploring ways to support Algoma University in developing future learning opportunities please reach out to Alex!
Teresa Breski joined the Professional & Continuing Education (PACE) team in February 2023 in the role of Administrative Assistant.
Teresa is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and confidentiality of the department, with a focus on service excellence in support of the growing efforts of PACE. She provides day-to-day operations support, and performs a variety of administrative support tasks for all aspects of the department. Teresa is responsible for liaising between all campuses to assist learners with inquiries, connecting with internal partners to promote PACE programming, and providing a welcoming and professional level of front-line assistance for the department.
Prior to joining Algoma U, Teresa worked for The Institute of Holistic Nutrition, as the Learner Services Administrator & Liaison. In addition Teresa has a combination of 10 years working with both private and public post-secondary institutions and holds a Diploma from Seneca College.
The Division of Professional and Continuing Education seeks to help learners achieve excellence in the field of their professional activities, personal interests, and professional studies.
Dedicated to upskilling and reskilling learners through modern technologies, PACE at Algoma, together with the National Centre for Excellence (NCoE) and Unity, the world's leading company for creating interactive 3D content, has introduced innovative educational programs focused on AR/VR and computing spaces. The Professional and Continuing Education division, together with Algoma's School of Computer Science and Technology and NCoE, will offer learners graduate certificate programs, learning in coding summer camps, micro-credentials, and other learning opportunities.
