New Lethbridge College president officially sworn in

By Lethbridge Herald on October 14, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke Brad Donaldson is fitted with the presidential gown with the help of Sarah Harland, student member of the board of governors, and Samantha Lenci, provost and vice president academic, during his swearing in ceremony Friday at Lethbridge College.

Ry Clarke – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lethbridge College officially welcomed its ninth president and CEO Brad Donaldson on Friday, holding a ceremony to swear him in as he donned the presidential gown and took the oath of office. 

Donaldson was sworn in by Kristine Cassie, Vice Chair on the Board of Governors. 

Donaldson was named the College’s new president and CEO back in August, starting his term in September, with the installation acknowledging him and appointing him to office. 

In those six weeks, Donaldson has been working hard on campus, getting acquainted with the college and city. 

“My time at the college so far has been fantastic, a great opportunity to get to know the people, programs and places. Getting a sense of what is going on,” said Donaldson. “The city is very much like the college. It has a great vibe, and great community spirit. With a great desire and great people.”

Donaldson has also been working hard to understand the campus life, and make plans for how students on campus can succeed in their post-secondary education. 

“I feel good in terms of helping students get to where they are going. I feel really good about that,” said Donaldson. “Recognizing the true passion that the entire institution has towards students’ success, giving them opportunities to participate in events. This college has a great reputation for student success and I have every intention to continue to grow them.”

Donaldson says the programs at the college have really stood out to him so far. 

“One of the things that really struck me with the college, amongst the great programs we have, is the applied research work on aquaculture. I think the agricultural industry is going to see a massive transformation over the next few years as we think about locally sourced food products,” said Donaldson.

With Donaldson officially installed as the new president and CEO the college will see him hard at work as he works toward his goals for the campus. 

“Students can expect a continuation of what the college has always done. A great job teaching and learning, helping students to aspire to their goals, and continue to look at what programs need to be here. What opportunities are there to create more opportunities for students to be successful in their learning and support to go out into the world and be successful citizens,” said Donaldson.