The president of Camosun College has been abruptly dismissed, just days into her second term, and there’s little explanation as to why.

Kathryn Laurin said via email from Spain, “I am indeed surprised by the termination of my contract and that the news has been released while I am away out of the country.”

article continues below

Laurin’s second five-year term started July 1.

College board chairwoman Marilyn Pattison confirmed that Laurin did not resign but would not say if she had been terminated. She said “it’s a personnel matter” that is confidential.

“We don’t have a resignation at this point, but she will not be returning to the college,” Pattison said.

Pattison would not comment on a severance package, saying the board would “honour the terms of her contract.”

An email was sent to the college community on Monday, saying Laurin “will be leaving the college to pursue other opportunities, effective September 1, 2014.”

Laurin, 56, is on holidays in July and will be on administrative leave in August.

Pattison said in the email: “Kathryn has been instrumental in bringing the college to the community and her achievements are appreciated by the board.”

When Laurin’s re-appointment was announced in January, Pattison told the Times Colonist that the president had done well “in spite of a challenging economic climate.”

Laurin delivered five balanced budgets, and Pattison said Wednesday Laurin’s departure “isn’t a budget-related issue.”

During Laurin’s first term, Camosun saw the number of international students climb to record levels — 818 in 2013, up 215 over the previous year. The college also secured provincial funding for a $30-million complex for trades, education and innovation due to open in September 2015.

The college has faced challenges recently, including a hiring freeze announced in mid-December due to federal funding cuts to English as a second language programs. Its communications program was axed in November 2012 to balance the budget.

Camosun has an overall budget of $104 million and serves about 18,000 students split between the school’s Lansdowne and Interurban campuses.

Before taking the job at Camosun College in 2009, Laurin was the president of Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

Laurin, who succeeded Liz Ashton, is the school’s fifth president since its incorporation in 1972.

Peter Lockie, the college’s vice-president of administration and chief financial officer, will serve as interim president while the board of governors searches for a replacement.

kderosa@timescolonist.com