Chris Janzen, Senior Vice President, Academic, celebrates his retirement

Posted on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

The Algonquin College community gathered on Wednesday, Aug. 21, to celebrate Chris Janzen’s retirement, after five years as the Senior Vice President, Academic and 12 years at the College.

The celebration was a full house, filled with colleagues present and past, sharing their sincere thanks, fond memories and laughter with the room.

“You provided strong academic leadership during a critical time in our history (during the COVID pandemic). Chris was the right person to lead the academic area through this time. He has left his signature on many projects across the College,” shared Claude Brulé, President and CEO. He continued, “You’ve delighted us with your presence, passion, sense of humour and focus on learner driven education.”

Chris Janzen has been an inspiring leader at Algonquin College since he joined us in 2012. Starting as the academic chair of the Applied Science and Environmental Technology department, he quickly made his mark with his dedication and vision. As dean of the Faculty of Technology and Trades, and later as Senior Vice President, Academic, Janzen’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping our academic landscape, leading all of Algonquin College’s academic institutes, schools, faculties and associated services. His passion for education and commitment to our students have touched countless lives and left an indelible impact on our community.

Prior to joining Algonquin College, he was a professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hamline University in St. Paul Minnesota in 1984. After earning his PhD in chemistry from Texas A&M University and spending two years as a post-doctoral fellow at the US National Institutes of Health, he spent 20 years teaching and conducting research in environmental science and extreme environments. During this time, Chris also spent seven years serving in municipal government as an elected public official.

In closing, Janzen said, “It’s time for me to step aside, and make room for the next generation of educators,” while thanking his many colleagues and his wife, Rhonda, for the support throughout his career.

We will all miss Janzen dearly for his professional contributions and for the warmth and dedication he brought to our College every day. His legacy of excellence and leadership will continue to inspire us.

We wish him the very best in his retirement!


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