Distance Education Administrative Coordinator | School of Part-time Studies

Carole Smith has been with Algonquin College since 1994 when she began working as a client service representative in the registrar’s office. She currently works in the School of Part-time Studies as the Administrative Coordinator for Distance Education. 

Carole was the most recent recipient of the J. David Stewart Memorial Leadership Award which is presented annually by the Heads of Continuing Education, presented to an educator who demonstrates excellence in terms of leadership; integrity and professionalism; promotion of quality in education; and concern for and sensitivity towards staff and students.

“Hard work and dedication helped get me here” she says. “I feel very honored to be recognized across Ontario.”

While winning the award was one of her biggest accomplishments, she says simply working in the Distance Education Department is rewarding in itself.

“When students have tried so hard and all of a sudden they’re able to do something great and they thank me for helping give them the opportunity to succeed, that’s a great feeling,” she explains.

As Administrative Coordinator Carole works as a liaison between students and faculty.

“I work as a buffer. I help find policies or solutions that accommodate both the student and instructor,” she says.

Carole is also the college representative for OntarioLearn which is a consortium of 22 Ontario community colleges who have partnered to develop and deliver online courses.   This collaborative approach provides students with flexible access to over 850 courses.

When Carole first started in the Distance Education Department in 1996 she says there were only 86 students registered for on-line courses in a semester.   There are now over 7,000 students enrolled each year in Distance Education courses.

Carole regards Linda Rees, Dean of the School of Part-time Studies, Executive member of the Heads of CE, and current Chair of OntarioLearn, as someone she looks up to.

“Linda is a great mentor. She helped get me to where I am today,” explains Carole. “She’s very innovative and can see outside of the box. Algonquin leads the way with OntarioLearn as far as the courses we have to offer and the amount of students registered in our courses.”