A pioneer of the Ontario college system established in 1968, Dr. Keith McIntyre joined Mohawk College in 1976 as vice president. He was appointed president in 1980 and led the institution for 17 years before retiring in 1996. During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth across the college and championed numerous milestones, including in athletics.
A strong advocate for co-operative education, McIntyre became an internationally recognized leader in promoting the model, which allows students to alternate between paid work terms and academic study. He played a central role in developing the partnership with McMaster University that led to the creation of the Institute for Applied Health Sciences and the unique, long-standing collaboration between the two institutions that continues to thrive.
Working with the Students’ Representative Council – the precursor to the Mohawk Students’ Association – McIntyre helped lead the development of the first student centre at an Ontario college, achieved without government funding.
In 1983, he helped establish the Mohawk College Foundation, which remains an important supporter of students, the college and athletics to this day. His legacy is also reflected on campus through the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, named in his honour. In 2023, he was awarded the college’s first-ever President Emeritus designation, reserved for former presidents who have provided outstanding and distinguished service.
Each year, Mohawk Athletics presents the Dr. Keith McIntyre Leadership Award at its annual athletics banquet to a student-athlete who demonstrates exemplary leadership that enriches and enhances student life at Mohawk.
