Patti France new president for St. Clair College

Patti France has been named the next president for St. Clair College in Windsor by St. Clair College's Board of Governors on Thursday.

France will replace John Strasser as the 6th president of the college on Sept. 1., 2015.

Strasser announced his retirement June 5, 2014. He has served as the college president for 15 years.

France has more than 25 years' experience in the post-secondary education sector and is currently senior vice president of college operations at St. Clair College and serves on the board of directors of Windsor Regional Hospital and is chair-elect of the Connecting Windsor-Essex, Smart Community initiative.

As vice president, France had direct responsibility for academic operations and has chaired numerous college committees, including the senior operations committee, which includes members of the senior management team, the college said in a news release.

St. Clair College educates over 8,300 full time students who participate in over 100 advanced diplomas, diplomas, degrees and graduate certificates focused in health, technology, business, media arts and social services. There are over 85,000 alumni of St. Clair College.

At a news conference Thursday, France said the college needs more job placements and apprenticeships.