Norma McDonald Ewing has been appointed Interim President of Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning.

A respected leader in Ontario’s post-secondary sector, Norma steps into the role of Interim President during an important period of transition as the college’s Board of Governors initiates a comprehensive executive search for the next president. In this capacity, she works closely with the executive team and the Board to advance Conestoga’s mission, strengthen employee engagement and support productive, collaborative relationships with industry, community and government partners.

Norma brings nearly thirty years of experience at Conestoga, reflecting a deep commitment to students, employees and the communities the college serves. Her progressively senior roles have equipped her with extensive experience in institutional strategy, governance, labour-market responsiveness and stakeholder engagement.

Her leadership reflects Conestoga’s mandate as a leading polytechnic institution, helping meet urgent workforce needs, expand access to high-quality education and training, and contribute to regional economic development. Norma builds resilient, action-oriented teams and champions leadership development through coaching and mentorship. She is recognized for helping leaders build clarity, adaptability and meaningful impact, supported by her training in Stitt Feld Handy, Applied Positive Psychology, Leadership Excellence, and Adult Education, and her credentials as an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Certified Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) Train the Trainer.

As an active community leader, Norma’s contributions to education and public service have been acknowledged through multiple honours, including the Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award at Conestoga; the King Charles III Coronation Medal; Canada 125 Award; University of Waterloo Distinguished Alumni Award; United Way Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award; and YWCA Women of Distinction Award. These recognitions reflect a career rooted in civic engagement and public benefit.

Norma holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Cooperative Agreements and Community Services from the University of Waterloo and a Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University.