Conestoga has appointed Gary Hallam to the role of vice-president, research. The announcement was made following Dr. Barbara Fennessy’s retirement notice after more than a decade with the college and seven years as vice-president with Conestoga Applied Research and Innovation (CARI).
Gary Hallam has been appointed to the role of vice-president, research.
Hallam’s appointment will see his current portfolio at the college expand as he continues to lead the School of Business and the School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts as executive dean in addition to his new role with CARI.
“Conestoga is a leader in applied research with a growing scope and impact of projects,” said Hallam. “I am looking forward to continuing to build the college’s applied research capacity to foster innovation and collaboration that benefit the communities we serve.”
With extensive experience growing companies in the hospitality industry, Hallam joined Conestoga in 2006 as chair to the college’s former School of Business & Hospitality. He has served as executive dean since 2013. Prior to Conestoga, Hallam was chair at the Centre for Hospitality and Tourism Management at George Brown College. He holds an undergraduate degree in Management Economics from the University of Guelph as well as a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Buckingham, England.
A proponent of industry collaboration to drive innovation while informing curriculum and strengthening student skills, Hallam brings strong ties with community partners to his new role. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation, volunteers on the Oktoberfest Community Advisory Council and serves as a judge with the Ontario Hostelry Institute Top 30 under 30. Hallam has also served on the steering committee for the Canadian Human Resource Council as well as the board for Canada’s Technology Triangle in Waterloo Region.
“Applied research supports the needs of industry and community partners while providing students with opportunities to build real-world skills and connect with future employers,” Hallam continued. “Combined with Conestoga’s breadth of programming, industry-experienced faculty and a strong network of partnerships, CARI plays an instrumental role in the development of a strong, innovative economy.”
Hallam’s appointment to vice-president took effect on June 1. Fennessy will officially retire in the fall. Under her leadership, the college’s applied research enterprise has grown exponentially, earning Conestoga a place among Canada’s top research colleges.
Conestoga Applied Research and Innovation brings together faculty expertise, student researchers and state-of-the-art technology to support specialized research in sectors of key economic growth. Over the past year, more than 3,100 students and close to 240 faculty and staff at Conestoga were engaged in over 860 applied research projects.