New Vice President brings experience and expertise to Lakeland

Lakeland College is pleased to welcome Dr. Todd Sumner as the new vice president of academic and research, effective July 18, 2022.

“Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of working at Lakeland College and getting to see the passion of the staff as they impact the lives of students,” says Dr. Sumner. “One of the things that drew me to Lakeland College is that it lives out its vision of transforming lives through innovative learning. Having worked in a polytechnic institute with a focus on applied, hands-on learning, I am so excited to be a part of Lakeland College where there are so many innovative programs that provide students opportunities for innovative experiential learning.”

Before moving into the role of vice president, Dr. Sumner served as Lakeland’s interim dean of student and academic services and registrar. He brings extensive experience to his role with 24 years of post-secondary and leadership at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where his roles included associate chair positions in math and upgrading, chair of upgrading, director of continuing education and associate dean of the school of business and the school of trades. He also served as an instructor in math, computer programing and Microsoft Office.

Dr. Sumner holds bachelor degrees in science and education, a master degree in instructional technology, and a PhD in educational psychology.

“Todd brings such a depth of expertise to this position,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “He has extensive post-secondary experience and is committed to student success, instructional excellence, innovation and curriculum development. Lakeland stands to benefit so much from Todd’s leadership and I am excited to work with him.”

As vice president, academic and research, Dr. Sumner will oversee the academic division of nine schools, student and academic services, foundational learning and continuing education plus the applied research team.

“I am really excited about being able to work at one of Alberta’s top 75 employers and helping to support the great team at Lakeland College,” Dr. Sumner says. “Lakeland has a long, rich history of serving students and industry in both the local region as well as Alberta. I am looking forward to getting to learn more about the great programs and facilities at Lakeland, but more importantly, getting to know the students and staff and how I can best support them.”