Barry Keefe

Barry’s interest in international education began as a young man when he joined the crew of a Swedish freighter to see the world. After a stint in Australia, he explored parts of the far and middle east and Europe before returning to Canada and post-secondary studies, first at the University of Western Ontario, then at Queen’s University.  A life-long learner, he is currently completing an Intercultural studies programme at the University of British Columbia.  While living in Kingston, Ontario, he has managed a retail operation and worked in the financial services industry before joining St. Lawrence College.  He has been a member of the Economic Development Commission, been Secretary to the Board of the Kingston Business Improvement Area and a Director of the Chamber of Commerce.  He received the first Star Performance award for Business Partnership Development and has twice been presented with the Minister's Award for Excellence for his work with Job Connect, the provincial job creation programme.  He has taught business management studies at St. Lawrence College, been a training consultant, managed the contract training division, the Open Learning Centres, the Centre for Government Training and served on the college Board of Governors before creating his current position as director of recruitment and international education.  He is active in the provincial college international organization and is currently an Executive Committee member of the Canadian Bureau for International Education.  In his spare time he chairs the Limestone City Blues Festival.