by Maria Driscoll

When computer giant Novell is looking for advice from Canada on their academic educational programs, the man they call is Howard Beattie. The Learning Manager of the Business Information Technology program at Holland College was recently appointed Canada's representative on the Novell Education Academic Program (NEAP) Advisory Committee.

Beattie admits to being both surprised and honored by the new appointment.

"I'm not really sure how they got my name, other than through the various dealings I have had with Novell representing the College," Howard said. "It is certainly a wonderful opportunity to take that working relationship with Novell to the next level and to exchange ideas with educators from around the world."

The committee holds conference calls on a periodic basis, but also physically gets together several times throughout the year. His first face-to-face meeting will be next month in San Diego, when they will be meeting just prior to a Novell conference being held in that city.

"I will also have the opportunity to attend the conference, which will be a great learning experience in itself." Howard said.

He explained Holland College is an academic partner with Novell, which means its uses the company's software in its computer programs and teaches a certified Novell program. He explained many students have successfully completed exams to become either a Certified Novell Administrator or the next level, a Certified Novell Engineer. Beattie explained the College also has similar partnerships with other companies such as Cisco and Microsoft. Howard holds both designations, along with a Master Certified Novell Engineer, Master Certified Novell Instructor, Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified Trainer.

"As Learning Manager in the Business Information Technology program for the past six years, Howard has always expected high standards of his students," said Gerald Caissy, the coordinator of the Computer Studies Program Unit. " He is very much respected by them as well as his peers."

Beattie said the main function of the committee is to review and provide recommendations for the educational programs offered by Novell. He said his day-to-day experience as a Learning Manager will stand him in good stead in performing that task. The appointment is for a two-year term. In addition to his professional designations in the computer industry, Beattie also holds a bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Prince Edward Island.