Lakeland College Board of Governors has announced Dr. Tracy Edwards will be the college's next president and chief executive officer.
Edwards will begin her career with Lakeland College Jan. 6, 2014. She will succeed president Glenn Charlesworth who announced last month that he will retire Jan. 3.
"Dr. Edwards is a very astute leader with extensive experience working in post-secondary education in Canada and the United States," says Milt Wakefield, chairman of the board of governors.
"She served as the president and chief executive officer of Lethbridge College from 2005 to 2012 so she has a great understanding of Campus Alberta and the institutions and people within the provincial system."
"I'm excited to join Lakeland College," says Edwards. "I have always admired the quality of the programming at Lakeland, strategically aligned with the needs of the college's community. The great work that is being accomplished in applied research, especially around sustainability and innovation, is impressive."
Wakefield noted Edwards signed a two and a half year contract with Lakeland, the amount of time that will remain on Charlesworth's contract when he retires.
"She will finish Glenn's term and at some point during her tenure we'll assess the work she's doing and see if both parties want to sign a new contract. If not, we'll launch an extensive search for a new president."
The board of governors decided not to initiate a national search at this time because of the length of time and cost of a search process, according to a press release.
"Our board's search team approached Dr. Edwards to see if she was interested in this position. We're thrilled that she was and after completing an extensive interview with her, we're confident that she will do a great job ensuring success continues at Lakeland College."
An accomplished senior academic leader with extensive experience in organizational development, management and teaching, Edwards' career in post-secondary education has spanned more than 25 years. She has worked at colleges in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Florida and Michigan.
As president of Lethbridge College, Dr. Edwards changed the institutional governance structure to be more collaborative and inclusive; significantly increased institutional reserves for ongoing sustainability; and completed a comprehensive strategic planning process culminating in a new mission, vision, mandate, values and goals.
She and Charlesworth worked together on the Council of Presidents for the Alberta Association of Colleges and Technical Institutions and she acknowledges she has big shoes to fill.
"I know the great work Glenn has done during his tenure at Lakeland. I will do my best to continue on this journey," she says.
She is looking forward to starting at Lakeland in 2014 as the college embarks on its second century of operations.
"One hundred years is an incredible landmark. I feel very proud to be able to support Lakeland College as we capitalize on our successes and chart our course ahead."
