Okanagan College’s School of Business to have a new Dean

An academic leader and entrepreneur has been named the new Dean of the Okanagan College’s (OC) School of Business.

Joe Baker was named to the role on Friday.

Baker spent nearly 15 years in academic leadership roles at George Brown College and Centennial College and has spent the last several years leading a consulting business that supports workforce development initiatives with a focus on the public sector.

“I was born and raised in Vancouver and have since had the incredible opportunity to travel and work around the world,” Baker said in a release.

“I am excited to join Okanagan College and their well-renowned School of Business and to work with everyone in the department and across OC to inspire and educate students. It is exciting to be joining a team whose objective is for students to succeed and grow so that they in turn can help their communities and the economy thrive.”

During his time as Dean of Centennial College, Baker was instrumental in the development of a student housing and learning centre that housed the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts programs.

The OC said Baker is also an active supporter of the non-profit sector and sits on the Board of Directors for Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada and Tourism HR Canada.

Baker will take over the role in February 2024.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Joe bring his incredible depth of experience in the education, hospitality, and tourism sectors to Okanagan College,” OC President, Dr. Neil Fassina, said.

“It is an exciting time for OC and the School of Business, as we have been approved for a new Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship program and get ready to break ground and build the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism. I’m looking forward to having Joe join our team at the College and to what lies ahead for our students.”

The OC Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism was announced by the provincial government in March. It will be built on K.L.O Rd. at the Kelowna campus, with the goal of having it open in 2026.

Baker will replace Dr. William Gillett, who is retiring after a long career in post-secondary education, including six years at OC.