Photo (l-r): David Pye and Dr. Robbie Halonen (RDP)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Experience AT RDP

Red Deer Polytechnic announces appointments of two deans for upcoming academic year

Jun 13, 2023 | 2:19 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has announced Dr. Robbie Halonen into the role of Dean, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing, and David Pye into the role of Dean, School of Trades and Technology.

“We are delighted to announce Dr. Halonen as the new Dean of the Donald School of Business, Science and Computing, and Mr. Pye as our new Dean of the School of Trades and Technology,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice President Academic. “Both Dr. Halonen and Mr. Pye bring several years of experience to the roles having both been faculty and then Associate Deans at RDP. The expertise that both Deans bring to their roles will ensure that RDP continues to be a leader in providing trades, apprenticeship and business programming.”

RDP officials note that both Deans previously held roles at RDP. Dr. Halonen joined the Polytechnic as a Physics and Astronomy Instructor in August 2014, and most recently held the role of Interim Dean of the School of the Donald School of Business, Science and Technology.

“I am excited to contribute to Red Deer Polytechnic’s promising future as the Dean of the Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. I am honoured to work alongside such an extraordinary group of faculty and staff,” says Dr. Halonen, who will officially begin his role on July 1. “Together, we are striving to build on our successes and strengthen our commitment to our learners, our connection to our communities, and our engagement with our industry partners. We will demonstrate to the region and to the province the purpose and impact of a polytechnic education.”

Pye, meantime, has more than 15 years of trade industry experience and 17 years of academic leadership at Red Deer Polytechnic. RDP officials say his career started at RDP as a Heavy Equipment Technician Sessional Instructor in January 2006 and his impact has evolved during nearly two decades.

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As an example, with Pye’s leadership, officials say Red Deer Polytechnic Apprentices continue to excel at both the Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National Competitions.

Since 2003, RDP Apprentices have earned 79 medals provincially and nationally.

“I am honoured to have been selected the Dean of the School of Trades and Technology. Skilled Trades and Technology programs are one of the cornerstones of being a polytechnic,” says Pye, who will officially begin his role on July 19. “The experience of the faculty and staff within the school will enable RDP to continue to develop and deliver programming that meets the ongoing needs of students and industries.”

More information about programming within the Donald School of Business, Science and Computing and School of Trades and Technology, and all RDP programs can be found online.