Red River College has appointed Stephanie Forsyth as its new president and CEO.
Forsyth comes from British Columbia, where she is currently the president of Northwest Community College (NWCC) in Terrace — a position she has held for the past ten years.
“Red River College is a dynamic and innovative institution that makes a significant contribution to the social and economic development of Manitoba,” Forsyth said in a statement. “It is a good fit with my values and leadership style, and a terrific opportunity.”
RRC’s national reputation and focus on aboriginal education, its growing applied research program in sustainable technology and capital expansion plan were all factors in Forsyth’s decision to head east.
At NWCC, Forsyth has woven indigenous knowledge and traditions into the college culture, and strengthened ties with aboriginal communities through initiatives like the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, the House of Learning and Applied Research, and the Challenge the Paradigm Conference on decolonizing post-secondary education. She is of Blackfoot ancestry, and is an adopted member of the Tsimshian Nation.
Forsyth holds a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University, a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia, and is currently completing a PhD in Higher Education from Deakin University in Australia. She is a Director of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, the BC Achievement Foundation, Science World British Columbia, and the BC Post-Secondary Roundtable on Aboriginal Education.
Catherine Rushton will continue to serve as interim president & CEO until September 27, at which time Forsyth will take over. The top job at the college hasn’t had a permanent appointee since Dr. Jeff Zabudsky stepped down in January.
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