New dean for School of Business & Continuing Education

For Brad Onofrychuk, 2016-17 has been a busy one. Taking on the role of dean for the School of Business & Continuing Education in August, Onofrychuk has been hard at work at the helm of this school.

“It’s been going very well and I’m honoured to have this opportunity at Lakeland. I’ve taken time to meet with each department and we’re excited about having business and continuing education together in one school,” he says of the reorganized school. “We’ve got talented people in both areas and we’re making positive changes.”

No stranger to Lakeland, Onofrychuk has been with the business department since 2007 when he joined the faculty. For the last five years, Onofrychuk served as the Lakeland business chair and a part-time instructor. He led Lakeland’s case competition team for four years and saw them reach the podium at the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition twice. In 2011, Onofrychuk took his economics class to London, England for an international learning field trip.

Before coming to Lakeland, Onofrychuk earned a bachelor of management and international management degree from the University of Lethbridge and an MBA from Ipade Business School, the top business school in Latin America. Onofrychuk progressively worked in the retail industry before starting his teaching career. The father of four is also a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Lloydminster and the 3rd Lloydminster Scout Group. 

“On behalf of Lakeland College, we’re pleased to have Brad as the dean of business and continuing education,” says Michael Crowe, Lakeland’s vice president, academic. “With his extensive experience and wealth of knowledge, Brad will excel in this leadership role and work to provide meaningful learning opportunities for students.”

Together, the business and continuing education departments are complementary says Onofrychuk. By reaching out to other departments, the school is looking for opportunities to offer more continuing education programming that meets the community’s needs. 

“We’re also taking a look at what we currently offer and if we can strengthen it or improve upon it,” Onofrychuk says. “For the business department, we’re pursuing potential degree options for our students. Overall, our goal is to enhance our programming and provide opportunities for our students to take the lead.”

The business department offers an accounting technician certificate program and a business administration diploma, which features five majors: accounting, general business, marketing, real estate appraisal and assessment, and small business and entrepreneurship. The continuing education department offers programs and courses in employment skills enhancement, energy, and performing arts, among other areas of interest.

Photo: After joining Lakeland College in 2007 and having served in several different roles, Brad Onofrychuk is now the dean for the School of Business and Continuing Education.