News Archives: GPRC recruits new Vice-President, Academic and Research
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020
Dr. John Rigby, GPRC's new Vice-President, Academic and Research.
GRANDE PRAIRIE – Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) proudly announced Dr. John Rigby as the successful candidate to lead the College’s academic mission as the new Vice-President, Academic and Research.
Dr. Rigby recently served as the Associate Provost, Institutional Planning and Assessment at the University of Saskatchewan, a position he successfully held for five years. Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Management and Marketing at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Rigby holds a PhD in Organizational Analysis and Marketing from the University of Alberta, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and has an extensive academic publication record.
“Since its inception, GPRC has been a dynamic forward-looking institution,” said Dr. Rigby. “I’m excited for this next chapter as the College transitions to degree-granting status and looks ahead to its next 50 years.”
Dr. Rigby brings 35 years of experience in post-secondary education to Alberta, having worked at the University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan.
As Vice-President, Academic and Research, Dr. Rigby will lead faculty and staff to offer high-quality programming and services for students in the region while supporting the scholarship and research activities of College faculty, students and staff.
“Dr. Rigby brings a wealth of experience for our faculty and staff as GPRC continues its path of becoming the centre of excellence for post-secondary education in northern Alberta,” said Dr. Robert Murray, GPRC President and CEO. “When we launched this search, our goal was to find the next leader of the College’s academic mission to take GPRC into its degree-granting future while continuing to deliver an unparalleled student experience. Dr. Rigby brings the right academic background and educational leadership to lead the College into the future.”
The recruitment process for GPRC’s new Vice-President, Academic and Research involved a nationwide search, rigorous interview process and input from a wide cross-section of College faculty and staff.
“John demonstrated the understanding and commitment he would bring to this important role at the College,” said Dr. Murray. “His extensive knowledge in the post-secondary education sector will serve our College well and I know the community will quickly witness the level of passion he will bring to the region.”
Dr. Rigby begins his new role on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Upon his arrival to the region, work will begin to arrange opportunities for him to meet with groups and departments throughout the College.
“I’m looking forward to meeting faculty, staff and students as well as members of the communities the College serves,” said Dr. Rigby. “My sense is that there is a strong shared vision both within the College and within the community of what GPRC is and what it can become. I’m eager to work with the College’s senior leadership team to help articulate and realize that vision.”
GPRC’s past Vice-President, Academic and Research, Dr. Tim Heath, departed from the College in February 2020.
