Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Brad Donaldson discusses future plans with Erin Hall, assistant to the provost and vice president academic.
On Friday, Lethbridge College celebrated the Presidential Installation of Dr. Brad Donaldson, The nineth President and CEO in the college’s history.
With the sound of bagpipes echoing through the halls, the ceremony began with a triumphant marching band that made it way through the college before making its way to the stage. A Blackfoot prayer from College Elder Betty Ann Little Wolf was given afterwards. MLA of Lethbridge East, Nathan Neudorf, gave a speech congratulating Donaldson on behalf of the Government of Alberta. Provost and Vice President Academic Samantha Lenci and Board of Governors Sarah Harland presented the Presidential regalia. Donaldson was also awarded with the Presidential medallion and recited the Oath of Office. Donaldson gave a heartfelt speech, touching on his personal journey that has led him to where he is today. The ceremony concluded with a powerful Blackfoot drum performance.
Donaldson has a long history as a leader in post-secondary institutions. He has served as Dean of the School of Manufacturing and Automation at SAIT, Vice President- Academic at Red Deer Polytechnic, and returned to SAIT as Vice President- Academic, a role he held for 6 years before coming to Lethbridge. He is also a current member of the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board and has previously served on many academic and business boards and committees across Canada and internationally.
He has achieved many accomplishments in his own education as well. He has earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary, a Master of Engineering degree, and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Chemical Engineering, both from the University of Toronto.
“I started off as an engineer, and in no way did I think I would end up in this roll after graduating from engineering, but it exposed a pathway, which led to other pathways that I had no way of envisioning, so that is why I believe in the power of education so much” Donaldson said. He spent more than 20 years working in engineering and in senior leadership roles in the global manufacturing sector before transitioning to a career in education.
With the world changing as fast as it is, the main focus is keeping Lethbridge College relevant and growing its outstanding reputation, according to Donaldson. Not only is he focused on keeping graduates relevant and prepared for their future endeavors, he is also focused on continually allowing employees the opportunity to develop, so that they can deliver on the relevance of the institution. Donaldson said, “It’s shaping the direction, strategy, and the enablement so that we are always meeting our purpose of developing people for social and economical benefit.”
Donaldson is enthusiastic about the community and is looking forward to making a home in Lethbridge. “You can feel the culture as soon as you turn off the highway into Lethbridge, you can feel the vibe…. I love it.” Donaldson praised. “The people here are passionate and engaging”. He continued, “Whether it be the clerk at Home Depot, the Contributors at the college I’ve met, or the Politian’s. I’ve really been feeding off that. It’s a right fit for me.” With Donaldson’s dedication to the community and a true passion for education, Lethbridge College has a promising future ahead.
