Red Deer College didn’t have to look too far when it hired its newest member of the senior administrative team, selecting a former member of the board of governors.
Paulette Hanna was announced last week as the college’s most recent hire, filling a newly created position. But the Faculty Association of Red Deer College is disappointed to see the school’s administration expand.
Hanna, who served on the board from 2003 to 2010 as a member of the college’s board of governors, is the new associate vice-president academic starting on July 21.
Ken Heather, president of the faculty said it is not the first time the college has hired a former board member.
“We’re far more concerned about the bloat of administration,” said Heather. “With the new dean positions and the new associate dean positions.
“There are nine new positions and that comes right out of operations, there is no extra funding money for that.”
He added that when you bring on new administration you also bring on new support people for that position, which costs money.
Hanna has worked as a teacher, school principal, deputy superintendent and chief superintendent with the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Board.
According to a press release from the college in her new role she will provide support in leading the college’s strategic plan as the new school organizational structure unfolds and participate in academic program development.
“I don’t know how many graduates said ‘Oh we have great administration at Red Deer College,’” said Heather. “It’s the faculty and staff that the students want to be able to do their jobs and have the money, equipment and support to do all that.”
The college is in the process of an administrative restructuring moving the college to a school model, with programs falling under a school such as business, creative arts, education and trades and technologies.
The deans and associate deans of the schools will take over some of the responsibilities of program chairs, positions faculty used to have.
The over-arching goal of the restructuring is to decrease administrative duties for faculty.
“The driving force behind the administrative restructuring is to create a greater learner-centred environment for our students,” said Brad Donaldson, RDC VP academic. “Hanna’s proven expertise and passion for education will tie in very well with this important goal as she plays a role in our continuing success.”
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com