A longtime staff member of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has passed a “rigourous process” to become the school’s new president and CEO.
Debbie Thompson, who has served in a variety of roles since starting at Olds College in 2014, was appointed to the position May 1 following a “thorough and extensive review process” by the college’s board of governors.
“We are just so thrilled to welcome Dr. Debbie Thompson as the president and CEO of Olds College,” wrote Al Kemmere, chair of the board of governors at the venerable ag school, in a May 1 news release.
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“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.
“This appointment is an unreserved statement of confidence that she is the very person we need to lead Olds College into the future.”
The position isn’t new to Thompson, who has served as interim president for eight months. Her previous roles at the college have included vice-president academic, vice -president academic and student experience, vice-president student and support services and dean of animal sciences and horticulture.
Prior to Olds College, Thompson was employed for over 20 years in the K-12 education system as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, vice-principal and principal.
She holds a doctor’s of education in educational leadership through National University, a bachelor’s of education degree from the University of Calgary and a master’s degree from Royal Roads University.
“Thompson leads by collaboratively seeking and assessing opportunities that are supported by evidence, aligning the strengths and capabilities of the college and coordinating the engagement of the college community to maximize the benefit for students, industry and the college,” read the news release.
