The Lakeland College Board of Governors is pleased to welcome new member Barb Shackel-Hardman to the team.

“I'm pleased to welcome Barb to our Board of Governors,” says Adam Waterman, chair of the Lakeland College Board of Governors. “Having a diverse range of voices enhances our ability to ensure we are helping guide the college forward to the best of our abilities to ensure it continues to offer students the life-changing education Lakeland is known for. With her experience and education, Barb will be an asset to our mandate.”

Shackel-Hardman lives in Parkland County and has worked in public service at the municipal and provincial level for 34 years. She works for Alberta Agriculture in technical roles in soil and water conservation, as well as senior management roles leading extension specialists in business development, livestock management and communications. Recently, she led environmental compliance and agriculture service programs for Parkland County. In addition, she has served on several boards, including the Stony Plain Seed Cleaning Co-op Board of Directors.

“Having the privilege of employing graduates of Lakeland College, I recognize the quality education students receive through the student-managed experience,” says Shackel-Hardman. “The combination of theoretical and practical learning positions students for success in their future work experiences. By joining the Board of Governors, I hope to continue to support learning environments that prepare students for future work opportunities in their chosen fields.”

Shackel-Hardman is a professional agrologist and holds a B.Sc. in agriculture, certificate in adult and continuing education, certificate in business management and a certificate in workplace learning. She has also completed several international projects aimed at improving governance and gender equity opportunities for women in agriculture.

“Working with the Board of Governors is a critical component to ensuring that Lakeland is moving forward and adapting to our changing world,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart. “Barb brings such an incredible mixture of experience and education in the agricultural and adult education sectors. I can't wait to work with her and hear her vision for the future of Lakeland College."

Photo: Barb Shackel-Hardman stands in front of a sign with Lakeland College's logo at the College's Vermilion campus.