Former ultrasound technician chosen as President for Hamilton’s Mohawk College

A former student who earned his diploma as an ultrasound technician has received Mohawk College’s ultimate honour: college president.

Paul Armstrong, who graduated from the radiological technology program in 1988 and earned a diploma in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound the following year, will take over as Mohawk College president July 1.

Armstrong began his career working at Hamilton General Hospital and McMaster University Medical Centre as a Radiological Technician from 1988 to 1989 and as an Ultrasound Technologist from 1989-1992 while teaching part-time at Mohawk.

He joined the college faculty full-time in 1992.

“To be given the opportunity to lead Mohawk College is a great honour for me,” said Armstrong. “I was fortunate to begin my post-secondary journey at this college. Mohawk gave me the skills I needed to succeed in my chosen career, and provided the foundational knowledge that prepared me for success as a leader. I am proud to be part of an amazing team of faculty and staff at Mohawk College, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has been such a big part of my life.”

Armstrong, who earned his Master of Business Administration from Queens University and has completed the Advanced Management program at Harvard University’s business school, worked his way up the ladder at Mohawk to Dean of Health Sciences by 2013 – when he was honoured with an Alumni of Distinction award – and was named Vice-President Academic in 2016. Four years later he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

In that role he played a crucial role in navigating the college through the global pandemic, one of the most challenging periods in the college’s history.

Armstrong has developed and led many successful initiatives and partnerships in his 30-year career at Mohawk. He led the development and implementation of the college’s current strategic plan, which includes the school’s work to advance both Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

He also helped establish Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery, a coalition that is working together to offer Canadians the training and skills they need to succeed in a green economy.

“With more than 30 years of experience as an educator and leader at Mohawk College, Paul Armstrong has dedicated his career to advancing and accelerating the opportunities available to learners, employees, employers, and the broader community,” said Anna Filice, Chair of Mohawk College’s Board of Governors. “Paul is a recognized leader in the college sector, provincially and nationally, and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario colleges today.

Mohawk College’s Board of Governors began its search to replace current president Ron McKerlie (who will stay on to help Armstrong with the transition until July 31) in December 2023.

The Mohawk College Foundation will also complete a restructuring upon Armstrong’s appointment, moving the operations and employees of the Foundation into the college’s operations, and removing the need for a separate president. The Foundation will continue to lead the fundraising initiatives for the college, with the board reporting to Armstrong and serving as a member of the college’s executive team.

Armstrong, who originally hails from Owen Sound, is currently the Chair for Skills Ontario and serves as a Director for Skills Canada. He is a past chair for the Industry Education Council of Hamilton.