Red Deer Polytechnic looks ahead after identity-building 2023

Cullum says to be a polytechnic officially now, means it can shift its focus from regional to provincial, thereby allowing RDP to become more engaged with industry.

He says RDP is now very focused on driving innovation and economic development.

“We like to say that being a polytechnic narrows our focus, but deepens our impact, and that’s something I believe the community is going to see in the next few years to come,” he says.

“Enrollment going up starts with the quality of the education being delivered. We have an incredible faculty delivering programming that is very reputable across not just the province, but the country. I hear that often.”

Cullum says data shows 91 per cent of graduates are employed within six months of completion, and that 94 per cent of employers are satisfied with their quality.

RDP currently has about 10,000 students, credit programs, non-credit programs, and apprenticeship programs included.

As for challenges, it comes back to identity-building.

“We’re not just here to serve the region anymore. We’re here to serve the province, and legislatively, that’s what polytechnics are within this province. I think that creates tremendous opportunity for our institution and Red Deer,” he says.

“Our new strategic plan will help our community understand what the future is going to look like and the ways in which we’re going to contribute to the economic and social interests of Alberta.”

The Strategic Plan targets the next seven years, through 2030, and sets out ambitious goals that would transform Red Deer Polytechnic into one that is nationally and globally recognized.

That includes striving to be a top 100 nationally recognized employer.

“We’re excited because the plan is bold,” he says, noting a community breakfast coming up in January 2024, the start of the institution’s 60th year. “We’re going to bring the community together to talk about this more, and how we are looking to them to support the work we’re trying to do. I think the future is bright for Red Deer Polytechnic.”

Next year, he says, RDP will continue to advocate for funding to expand its Centre for Innovation, which serves roughly 60 companies yearly with over 80 projects. A $21 million project is currently awaiting funding, he reveals.

Cullum also says consultations will occur in January to help RDP decide where it will or won’t land with respect to tuition increases. He ensures officials are cognizant of affordability issues.

He also noted truth and reconciliation will continue to be at the forefront of RDP’s objectives, with education being a “really important component” of that.

RDP’s Strategic plan can be read in full here.

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by Sheldon Spackman and Josh Hall

Red Deer Polytechnic looks ahead after identity-building 2023

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