OCNews

With the retirement of Dr. William Gillett (Bill), OC will certainly miss the former Dean of the School of Business.

But we are in a celebratory mood and wish Bill all the best with his well-deserved retirement after a long career.

"It has been a distinct pleasure and true privilege to be a part of the Okanagan School of Business and witness the incredible skill and dedication of the faculty and instructors as they inspire and guide our students to success in their careers and lives," said Bill.  "The entire Okanagan community has been tremendously supportive of the College as well.  My only regret is that my time here could not be longer."  

Bill joined OC in 2017 and you can read that announcement here. We asked his friends and colleagues to say a few words on the impact Dr. Gillett made. 

MacKenna Lenarcic, 2023 School of Business graduate:

"As a recent graduate, I am beyond grateful for Bill’s support and dedication to OSB. He played a huge role in the development of Enactus Okanagan College’s team and supported our students by attending events, send-offs, and strategy sessions. He even surprised our team at the Enactus World Cup in Puerto Rico to cheer us on to the final round of competition. Bill passionately devoted his time to ensuring students received the best possible education and were provided with opportunities that would support their learning. I always say OSB’s students are the best and brightest, and Bill has played a huge role in making that true. Bill, thank you for everything, you will be missed deeply."

Another recent graduate and now an OC employee, Tiana Langedyk wrote:

"During my time at OC, Dr. Gillett consistently went above and beyond in his commitment to students. His dedication to both the student body and the economic advancement of the region left a profound impact on the lives of those who were part of the OC community. "

Here are some more thoughts from people impacted by Dr. Gillett in his time in the School of Business.

Steve Watson, Professor - Okanagan School of Business:

"Thank you for all you have done for OC and the OSB.  Your stewardship, bright side perspective and good humor got us through challenging times: Covid-19 and then a cyber incident.  You were clearly the right person at the right time for the OSB.  We will all miss working with you. " 

Elena Mitropolsky, Business Professor:

"Bill, I was one of your first hires at OC - and since then, I have learned a lot from you and could always count on you to provide a fair and thoughtful solution to any issue. And I also enjoyed your humor a lot! Hope to stay in touch, and wish you have an awesome time with your family!"

Shanna Stephenson - Okanagan School of Business

"Bill Gillett has been an incredible leader within our Business Department. His integrity, honesty, supportive nature, and sarcastic sense of humor is second to none. He has led our department through many difficult external challenges with compassion, level-headedness, and transparency. Although we are very excited for him and his upcoming adventures, we are very sad to see him go as Bill will leave a “Michael Scott” sized hole in our department. As both an Okanagan School of Business alumni and a direct employee under Bill, I am extremely thankful for the time we had with him as Dean and am very grateful to have had such a wonderful leader and boss. We will miss you, Bill!"

Adrienne Renaud - Okanagan School of Business:

"From the day I started at the college, Bill has been a welcome example of true leadership. He is approachable and would make himself available when you needed to discuss an issue. I always felt heard after speaking with Bill, and he always made me feel like a valued member of the team. He demonstrates an authentic care for both students and staff, I wish him all the best in the future and will truly miss his presence here at OC."

Dr. Kyleen Myrah, EnactusOC Faculty Advisor & Professor - Okanagan School of Business:

"I have had the pleasure of working with Bill over the last few years and I was so encouraged by his deep interest in the students and work of Enactus. His willingness to give of his time and skills when he had so many competing priorities was really inspirational and reminded me why I so value my work at OC. Bill’s values and ethics guides his mentorship and he has been an instrumental role model for the students and faculty."

Michael Orwick, Professor- Okanagan School of Business:

"It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since Bill took over the reins of the Okanagan School of Business.  His transition was so smooth, we quickly thought of him as being a part of the team from the beginning. Bill has a way of listening that makes you feel like you are the most important person he has spoken to all day.  His sense of humour is subtle, but very clever and he never fails to make us laugh.  He will be missed immensely by those of us who had a chance to work with him."

Devin Rubadeau, Chair - Okanagan School of Business:

"I believe most faculty will remember Bill as a friend first and an employer second.  Bill was accessible, empathetic, and kind, and brought a student focused perspective to all his interactions with staff.  No admin in Canada went to the lengths to support student clubs or competitions as Bill did.  Bill’s love for the Michigan Wolverines and the Democratic Party will be missed."

Mike Hazen, Professor - Okanagan School of Business:

"Bill was always a positive force for change at OC Business.  He gave permission to try things and put student success and experience at the very top of his priorities, with faculty support a very close second.  He was always available for a discussion, and though he took his role very seriously he was always quick with a joke to lighten any room.  He was an excellent ambassador for our program and will be missed greatly."

Aidan Cole, professor - Okanagan School of Business:

"Thank you, Bill, for your dedication to our students and school. Your efforts in helping us launch the Experiential Entrepreneurship Program will be remembered and showcased in our amazing students who graduate from the program. Thank you for your leadership, humor and dedication to the Okanagan School of Business. Happy retirement!"

Congratulations Dr. Gillett. You will be missed!