Marie Mills has taken up a one-year appointment as acting director of Co-operative Education & Workplace Partnerships effective May 27, replacing Kristen Morries while she serves as acting executive director of the Office of Experiential Learning.

In this role, Mills has primary responsibility for the execution of the University of Windsor’s co-operative education and paid internship programs. In consultation with the executive director, she will develop the vision and strategic direction for the Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnership department.

Mills comes to the University of Windsor from Stellantis with over 18 years of industry experience working in various roles within the organization, most recently as the University Research Lead (FCA Canada – ARDC), where she managed the co-op partnership with the University of Windsor and funded research initiatives and collaborations with partners across Canada. Her leadership and expertise earned her recognition from Automotive News Canada as one of the “2022 Canadians to Watch,” which celebrates key players and influencers in the automotive industry.

Mills is a graduate of the University of Windsor, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and participated in the co-op program.

“I am thrilled to be returning to my alma mater in this director role. As a past co-op student myself, I have a deep appreciation for the benefits and opportunities experiential learning provides,” says Mills. “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the cooperative education and workplace partnership department, fostering the same transformative experiences that shaped my own career.”

Morris says she is pleased to welcome Mills back to the University and looks forward to the contributions she will make in shaping the future of the co-operative education program.

“Marie has gone from co-op student to an active co-op employer to now co-op director. This unique lens will benefit our efforts as we strive to continuously improve our processes to the benefit of both students and employers, and grow more partnerships with industry locally, provincially, nationally, and abroad,” she says.