By rdnewsNOW staff

Leadership Change

RDC welcomes new Vice President Academic and Research

Jun 25, 2020 | 1:11 PM

Red Deer College has announced a new Vice President Academic and Research.

Ms. Kylie Thomas is described as an experienced leader in post-secondary education in British Columbia, most recently serving as the Associate Vice-President, Students and Registrar, at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) – an Indigenous public post-secondary institution.

In this role, Thomas spearheaded NVIT’s strategic enrolment management program articulating an informed, integrated and collaborative approach to meeting strategic and government key performance indicators. These efforts are said to have collectively contributed to NVIT exceeding its Ministry mandated enrolment target by 30 percent.

College officials say this experience will be valuable in helping RDC to realize strategic enrolment growth as a key driver of its success during the coming years, as the College transitions to become a polytechnic university.

Ms. Thomas has a long-standing history of working closely with instructors, staff, and students to ensure important perspectives are included within administrative structures and processes. Her collaborative leadership is expected to be a valuable asset at RDC.

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“I am excited to have Kylie Thomas join us at such a remarkable time in our institution’s journey as we become Red Deer University,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, President of Red Deer College, in a press release. “Her diverse experience in post-secondary leadership roles and her focus on creating an environment where learners thrive in their studies will be invaluable for our organization. I am confident Kylie will lead our bold vision for academic programming well into the future.”

Thomas is recognized as a system leader in British Columbia. She has contributed to provincial efforts such as participating in the development of an initial province-wide response to address sexualized violence and misconduct on campuses and served three consecutive terms on the Admissions Council for the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfers.

“I am honoured to join a team that holds student success and institutional sustainability at the core of its planning and programming,” says Thomas. “RDC alumni have proven themselves integral to the success of central Alberta’s economy, and I embrace the opportunity to champion the teaching and learning environments and vision of RDC.”

Thomas will begin her new position at RDC on Aug. 31.

While she has lived in BC for many years, this move to RDC provides an opportunity for Thomas to return to her roots in central Alberta. During her formative years, Thomas lived in Rocky Mountain House and Leslieville, graduating from David Thompson High School. She is familiar with central Alberta and the significance of individuals being able to access quality post-secondary education with diverse programming and alternative delivery methods for curriculum and learner supports.

Thomas will fulfill her role as Vice President Academic and Research following the retirement at the end of June of current Vice President, Dr. Paulette Hanna. Red Deer College thanks Dr. Hanna for her service to students during the past six years in this role, as well as her previous connection to RDC on the Board of Governors.

Until Thomas’ arrival, Dr. Maureen Toews, who is currently RDC’s Dean of Teaching, Learning and Research, will act as RDC’s interim Vice President Academic and Research.