President's Biography

Ann Buller assumed the presidency of Centennial College in June 2004. Leadership approaches that enable major transformational change have become President Buller's hallmark. Her commitment to the values of the Learning Centered College movement has enabled her to refocus Centennial on learning.

Ann Buller is steadfast in her belief that colleges must meet the economic and social inclusion imperatives facing our country. Under her direction, Centennial launched its Signature Learning Experience (SLE) that prepares students not just for employment in their field of study, but also for their role as global citizens. The SLE opens students' minds to the diversity, equity and social justice issues that affect our world.

To ensure that the College is financially positioned to continue its academic and service excellence while addressing a rapid growth in enrolments, Ann Buller has introduced strategies such as a new accountability-based budgeting model, a comprehensive strategic enrolment plan outlining growth opportunities based on market needs, increased international revenues, the re-negotiation of business partnerships, and an aggressive approach to generating Continuing Education and contract training revenues. She has presented the College’s Board of Governors with a balanced budget since she assumed the presidency and with operating budgets projecting surpluses for the past three years. The surpluses have allowed Centennial to hire new full-time employees and continue making capital investment in its campuses.

President Buller's career spans more than 25 years in the college system where she has made significant contributions to student success. She sits on several boards and committees, working tirelessly as an advocate for Centennial and the college system. Ann Buller is currently Chair of the Board for the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, Chair of the Board for the Canadian Bureau for International Education, and Vice Chair of the INVEST TORONTO Board of Directors. She also appears as the keynote or guest speaker at several national and international conferences and seminars each year.

President Buller is a proud graduate of the Ontario college system, having graduated from Humber College's Public Relations program before completing her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at York University and her Masters of Arts in Education at Central Michigan University.

President Buller has earned numerous prestigious awards acknowledging her excellence in leadership, mentoring and college marketing, including: 2010 Cisco Public Leaders Award –Canada’s Most Powerful Women—Top 100 (Women’s Executive Network); Margot Franssen Leadership Award (MicroSkills Canada), President’s/ Chancellor's Award (North American Council for Staff, Program, and Organizational Development), and Constance E. Hamilton Award on the Status of Women (Toronto City Council).