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 the Associate Vice President, Academic and Continuing Education. 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, Acting Academic Dean, and Associate Vice President, Academic.
Lindsay brings over 20 years of experience in Ontario's education sector, with extensive expertise in educational technology, strategic business development, and innovative program delivery. She previously served as the Director of Programs and Services at eCampusOntario. Lindsay has also taught at Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College, and worked as a consultant for Fanshawe Corporate Training Solutions.
In her role, Lindsay oversees all aspects of our continuing education initiatives, including strategic planning, development, coordination, and management of a variety of non-credit continuing education programs, including micro-credentials, post graduate continuing education certificates, budget management, marketing, and relevant staff supervision.
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.
Jennifer holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. In the past, she worked in a mental health organization, providing and promoting mental health awareness to students and the public. Her experience with students led her path to Algoma University with her passion for providing quality programs to the students. Jennifer actively works with students to manage their inquiries about their university life and assists the team with market research and developing new micro-credential programs.
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.