Red Deer University will be “different” from other universities, promises president and CEO Joel Ward.
Ward shared his vision of the post-secondary institution’s future at a Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.
“We aren’t interested in “being the same as every other university,” said Ward.
“Different for us means meeting the needs of students and communities in an applied and practical way as a comprehensive, regional, teaching university.”
Ward said after becoming RDU, the institution will continue to offer apprenticeship training, career certificates and diplomas, academic upgrading, university transfer and continuing education, as well as having its own degrees.
“What we do now, we will continue to do. We will evolve and grow over time,” he said. “It’s not like we’re flipping a switch, and all of a sudden, we’re a university offering every university program. It takes time … to get that work done.”
There are two more things that need to be done before RDC can officially become RDU: change the governance structure to match university standards and create a 10-year academic plan and budget.
RDC adds cultural, social and economic value to the region, with a total annual impact of $539.6 million, which translates to 7,316 jobs supported, said Ward. Becoming a university will increase that impact, he added.
“Our goal would be to double the economic impact of this institution and double our enrolment in the next 10 years.”
Ward said RDC is committed to introducing “innovative programming,” such as cyber security and artificial intelligence.
“We have to have programs that will meet current and future job needs.”
Ward noted several highlights over the past year: gaining university status, the opening of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, a new residence building and Alternative Energy Lab, the creation of a partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, hosting the Canada Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Volleyball Championships and officially revealing the institution’s new name – Red Deer University.
“This has been a year unlike any other year in the 55-year history of this college,” said Ward. “It sets the stage for a future we will all enjoy and benefit from.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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