From the President's Desk: September 2025

As the new academic year begins, I want to extend a warm Lakeland College welcome to our students, faculty, and staff. It’s hard to believe that just a few short months ago we were looking forward to a relaxing summer, and here it is a new semester.

As you may know, each year I work with the Board of Governors to develop my annual workplan for the upcoming year. I would like to share a few of my goals for the 2025–26 academic year. One thing I am especially conscious of is that while this workplan guides my priorities, it’s also about setting a shared vision—one that all of us contribute to, so together we achieve our goals and ensure our vision is being accomplished.

• I will continue to build a welcoming campus where both students and staff feel a strong sense of belonging. By connecting directly with learners, staff, and leaders, I will ensure their voices help shape the Lakeland experience. I am committed to maintaining high-quality, industry-relevant programs while strengthening applied research that delivers real impact.
• I will also ensure we are responsible stewards of our resources, aligning with provincial priorities while supporting staff well-being, leadership growth, and an inclusive workplace culture. Finally, I will expand partnerships that open new opportunities for students and strengthen our connections across the region.

These goals reflect my commitment to ensuring Lakeland remains a place where people thrive and communities grow. I am excited for the year ahead and the success we will achieve together.

Community rallies around Feast 

Feast on the Farm 2025 was a sold-out success, raising a total of $89,500. The funds will directly support student-led projects, field trips, events, and other immersive learning experiences across a variety of disciplines, including business, agricultural sciences, human services, and trades. This remarkable community support not only enriches student learning but also strengthens the connections between Lakeland College and the communities we serve. I want to thank everyone who helped make this event such a success.

Lakeland's economic impact

This summer we also received the results of our 2025 Economic and Investment Analysis Report. The findings highlight the incredible impact Lakeland has on our students and communities—and it’s all because of the work you do every day. Completed by Lightcast, a leader in economic impact studies, the report shows that in 2023-24 alone, Lakeland contributed $225.7 million to the regional economy, supporting nearly 2,400 jobs – one in every 28 jobs in our service area.

This impact comes from our operations ($54.2 million), student spending ($4.6 million), construction ($4.3 million), and especially the contributions of our alumni, who generate more than $162.6 million each year in added income for the region. The report also confirms that a Lakeland education is a powerful investment. For every dollar students spend on their Lakeland education, they receive $2.50 in higher future earnings. You can learn more about the findings on our economic impact webpage.

Bentley Building modernization

I am excited to share the ongoing progress of the Newcombe Bentley Building on our Vermilion campus. Thanks to a generous $16 million investment from the Government of Alberta, we are revitalizing this cornerstone building, which has served our campus since 1969. This modernization will enhance our award-winning interior design technology and early childhood education programs, providing students with state-of-the-art learning environments.

The project is on track and expected to be completed in time for the 2026–2027 academic year. We invite the community to witness the transformation firsthand and see how these updates are shaping the future of learning at Lakeland College. Stay tuned for the grand opening celebration date.

These achievements set a positive tone for the year ahead. Thank you for the important role you play in making Lakeland a place where our students thrive, rural communities are strengthened, and together we transform the future through innovative learning.

Until next time,
Alice