Red Deer College’s Board of Governors announced yesterday that they have unanimously approved a second five-year contract for Joel Ward. Ward has served as president and CEO of RDC since September of 2009.
“We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the past five years as a Board, and we are confident that the vision and expertise Joel provides is key to that success,” says Shelley Ralston, chair of RDC’s board of governors. “In the changing post-secondary landscape and at a critical moment in our history, we believe RDC is perfectly situated to meet the existing and emerging learning needs of our region, one which is entering a period of exponential growth.”
Ward added the College has a lot of work ahead that is both challenging and exciting.
“As a board it is very important that we continue to work closely with our communities, post-secondary, K- 12, and government partners to ensure that we offer the most relevant programming to our learners. The next five years will see vital changes at the College. These changes will help position RDC for the next 50 years as we grow with the communities in our region.”
Innovative programming including more degree opportunities, post-graduate certificates, and more co-op opportunities for learners will be introduced at RDC over the next few years. In addition, a key strategy of the College is to maximize the potential for innovation and applied research on campus. The Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing at RDC has become an important resource for businesses and industry partners throughout central Alberta and the province, helping to bring new products and services to the global market.
“Being recognized as one of Alberta’s most innovative organizations by Venture magazine speaks to our commitment to leverage expertise and facilities for the benefit of all Albertans,” said Ward. “Our experienced and talented team of administrators, faculty and staff are dedicated to our students, our city and our communities. It is to them that I commit my passion, energy and leadership.”
RDC works closely with government, community and industry partners to offer needed community and learning space like the recently acquired City Centre Stage, and our relocation of the Donald School of Business to the heart of downtown.
“Everything we do at RDC is about our students and our communities,” says Ralston. “Joel has really embraced both groups as the essential focus of our vision and all our planning. The next five years will be some of our most significant years in RDC’s history.”
RDC’s board is comprised of eleven members including seven from the community and three internal members who are appointed by the Government of Alberta. The president and CEO of RDC is the only hired member of the board of governors, which operates under the authority of ‘The Post- secondary Learning Act of Alberta’.
– Fawcett
