By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thanks to a new agreement, Chatham-Kent is expanding its post-secondary horizons.
Described as a “strategic partnership” between the University of Windsor and the municipality, a memorandum of understanding between the two was inked recently in a ceremony at the John D. Bradley Centre.
The five-year agreement formalizes a renewed commitment by both organizations to boost education and foster economic resilience in Chatham-Kent.
University of Windsor president Dr. Robert Gordon said the school is pleased to recognize the “mutually beneficial partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent,” noting the agreement will focus on “training and retaining.
“I think there’s countless opportunities and ways to integrate how the university can provide support,” Gordon told reporters. “Talent pipeline development is one of the key priorities for us moving forward.”
According to officials, the partnership will connect UWindsor’s academic expertise with C-K’s unique needs in fields such as agriculture, health and environmental sustainability advancing research initiatives to provide real-world solutions.
Experiential learning will be emphasized through student internships and co-op placements, as well as professional development delivering tailored training and opportunities in the local workforce.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said that as Chatham-Kent’s population grows, so too does the need to attract talent.
“We want to enhance post-secondary opportunities in Chatham-Kent,” Canniff said. “We’re a growing community and as we move forward, education is so important. We’re excited to say this is just the start or what we’re going to be doing.”
Various municipal departments, including Economic Development, are part of the effort, Canniff said, and all will work with the university to create courses specific to Chatham-Kent’s needs.
Gordon said the university hopes to build on the success of a partnership with St. Clair College that began offering a four-year Bachelor of Science Nursing program in Chatham last year.
