The board of governors of Olds College of Agriculture and Technology conducted an extensive search for a new president following the departure of Dr. Ben Cecil. Chair Al Kemmere says, “As a board we took great care to consult broadly across the college community and to learn those key attributes and characteristics that would be important in a leader of our organization at this time.” Read More
Thompson takes over the reins at a challenging but exciting time, as she will have to address the decrease in international students that will have a significant effect on the college’s budget
Thompson takes over the reins at a challenging but exciting time, as she will have to address the decrease in international students that will have a significant effect on the college’s budget
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The board of governors of Olds College of Agriculture and Technology conducted an extensive search for a new president following the departure of Dr. Ben Cecil. Chair Al Kemmere says, “As a board we took great care to consult broadly across the college community and to learn those key attributes and characteristics that would be important in a leader of our organization at this time.”
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The result is they have announced the appointment of Dr. Debbie Thompson as the new president and CEO of Olds College.
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Kemmere added that the consultations led to the creation of a presidential profile, and subsequently to the establishment of a search committee made up of members of the board. The rigorous process included an assessment of Thompson, who had been serving as interim president for eight months, and an in-depth interview with the entire board.
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They decided that Thompson’s distinguished record of service since joining the college in 2014, and her exceptional educational and leadership accomplishments, made her the ideal person to lead the college into a bright future.
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Her educational record includes a doctor of education in educational leadership through National University, a bachelor of education degree from the University of Calgary, and a master’s degree from Royal Roads University.
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The Thompson family moved to Olds 25 years ago, and they enjoy what Debbie describes as an incredible community. Before moving to Olds College, Thompson was a teacher with the Chinook’s Edge School Division. It was a close associate there, the late Dot Negropontes, who pointed out to her the posted position of dean of animal sciences and horticulture at the college, and encouraged her to apply.
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Thompson applied as a passionate innovator in education and learning, as is evidenced by more than 20 years in the K-12 education system as a teacher, curriculum co-ordinator, vice-principal and principal.
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Learning that having no experience with flora or fauna was not a detriment, as the search was for someone with strong educational leadership — faculty are the experts — Thompson applied and was awarded the position.
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She held that for two years before asked to be interim vice-president of student support services, before accepting another appointment as vice-president of academic and student experience, working closely with all departments, except academic, which gave her valuable appreciation of faculty and staff of the institution.
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Upon Cecil’s departure, she was the obvious choice as interim president.
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On making the announcement of Thompson’s appointment as president and CEO, Kemmere added, “Debbie’s vision, experience and dedication are vital to leading Olds College forward. This appointment is an unreserved statement of confidence that she is the very person we need to lead us into the future.”