Lise Bourgeois: A Legacy of Leadership at La Cité Collégiale
Lise Bourgeois served as the President and CEO of La Cité Collégiale, Ottawa’s French-language college, from 2010 to 2024. Her tenure marked a period of significant growth and innovation for the institution, solidifying its position as a key pillar of Ontario’s Francophone community. Bourgeois’s career spanned decades dedicated to education, culminating in a transformative leadership role at La Cité.
Early Career and Educational Background
Bourgeois dedicated her career to education, holding a Bachelor’s degree (BA) from 1985 and a Master of Education (B.Éd.) from 1990. She began her career within the Eastern Ontario school boards, progressively taking on leadership roles. From 2003 to 2010, she served as the Director of Education at the Conseil des écoles catholiques de Centre-Est (CECCE), where she oversaw a period of exceptional growth, including the opening of five new schools and the construction of two others, serving nearly 20,000 students [La Cité Collégiale – Présidence].
Presidency at La Cité Collégiale (2010-2024)
Appointed President and CEO of La Cité Collégiale in March 2010, Bourgeois continued to champion the development of French-language education and prioritized student success. Under her leadership, the college experienced substantial growth, surpassing 7,000 students [Radio-Canada]. A key achievement during her presidency was the inauguration of the Excentricité, a unique experiential learning pavilion in Canada [Radio-Canada].
Bourgeois focused on developing innovative delivery models to make education accessible throughout Ontario and Canada. She also oversaw the creation of several new programs, including a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree [Radio-Canada].
Community Involvement and Recognition
Beyond her role at La Cité, Bourgeois actively participated in numerous provincial and national councils and organizations, including TFO, the Centre de leadership et d’évaluation, and the Centre de planification des services de santé en français [TFO]. Her leadership and contributions to the Francophone community were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Prix Bernard-Grandmaître, the Ordre de la francophonie de Prescott-Russell, the Ordre de La Pléiade, and the Order of Ontario [TFO].
Transition and Retirement
In August 2023, Lise Bourgeois informed the Board of Governors of her intention to retire at the end of her mandate in June 2024, following a mandate extension in June 2022 [La Cité Collégiale – PDF]. Her departure marks the end of a 14-year tenure characterized by significant achievements and a lasting impact on La Cité Collégiale and the broader Francophone community.