Olds College appoints Dean of Agriculture Technology

Olds College has appointed James Benkie into the new role of Dean, Program Development, Agriculture Technology.

College officials say Benkie will be focused on developing and launching a new program in agriculture technology that will offer students three different provincially approved credentials, including a certificate, diploma and degree.

“As a College we are excited to be growing our programming and applied research in agriculture technology,” says  Debbie Thompson, Vice President Academic & Student Experience and Chief Innovation Officer. “Mr. Benkie brings diverse cross-industry experience and expertise from both the agriculture and technology sectors that will be extremely valuable as we begin to create these new programs.” 

“We have seen phenomenal convergence in both the Agriculture and Technology sectors over the past seven years and I believe the next generation of students will be a conduit to unprecedented change across the industries,” says Benkie. “The students will no doubt challenge the status quo and lead disruptive paths ahead and Olds College has an incredible opportunity to enhance and enable those paths by creating these new programs. I am truly honoured and excited to join Olds College on this journey and I am encouraged to become a member of the amazing Olds College team.”