Olds College president Stuart Cullum is taking the helm at Red Deer Polytechnic.
On Wednesday, RDP’s board of governors announced Cullum’s appointment as the institution’s 12th president, and he starts his new position on August 2.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stuart as our next president,” said board chair Guy Pelletier in a statement.
“His enthusiasm and experience will help position Red Deer Polytechnic as a leader in the post-secondary sector and his passion for central Alberta, coupled by his vision for polytechnic education, will serve both our region and our province very well in the years to come.”
Cullum has been at Olds College from 2016 to 2022, including the past five years as president.
He was instrumental in establishing the Olds College Smart Farm, a leading hub for innovation, training and applied research that has attracted more than 100 partners globally and more than $40 million in investment.
Under his leadership, the college saw a 12 per cent increase in enrolment, more than $23 million in applied research funding, a doubling of international enrolment, and the development of key action plans including the college’s first Indigenous Relationship Building Strategy and Action Plan.
Cullum will lead RDP as it begins its second full year as a polytechnic institution.
“Red Deer Polytechnic is on an exciting trajectory and is well-positioned to lead in this province,” Cullum said.
“I am excited to join at this critical time and I look forward to working with all of its dedicated employees and students, as well as with industry and community to build upon the great work taking place in Red Deer and central Alberta.”
Prior to Olds College, Cullum served in executive positions at Lethbridge College, Northlands, NAIT, AVAC, and WestLink Innovation Network.
As a former teacher, he taught high school in Three Hills prior to working in the Industry Liaison Office at the University of Alberta.
Cullum currently serves as chair of the Post-Secondary International Network and Campus Alberta Central, a joint long-term partnership between Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic.
He has held numerous professional board and advisory appointments across Canada, including with Colleges and Institutes Canada, Canadian Agri-Food Automation, and Intelligence Network and THRIVE Canada Accelerator.
Cullum was born and raised in central Alberta, and currently lives in rural central Alberta with his partner Carrie. His two adult children attend post-secondary in Alberta, including a son enrolled in RDP’s in the Visual Arts program.
Cullum will be leaving his position at Olds College at the end of July, and the college is launching the search for its 14th president.