Dr. Paula Burns resigns as Lethbridge College President and CEO

“I am confident I am leaving Lethbridge College in a great place, with an excellent Executive Leadership Team and Board of Governors in place. I believe the ways we encouraged and supported our employees as they developed in their own careers was one of our greatest achievements. Our college is filled with people who embrace challenges, put our students first and see that our college is at its strongest when we work together and support each other.”

During her time at the Lethbridge post-secondary, Burns oversaw a multitude of achievements, including:

The completion of the successful $27.8 million Possibilities are Endless campaign in 2016.
The opening of the Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility in 2017, which was the largest construction project in the college’s history.
The growth of the college’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the launch of LC Extension. Lethbridge College was named Canada’s third-fastest growing research college in 2020.
The development of numerous Indigenous-related initiatives, including the creation of the President’s Indigenous Advisory Council in 2017, the college receiving a Blackfoot name, Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan – Stone Pipe, in 2017, the permanent raising of the Blackfoot Confederacy flag in 2018, the launch of the Niitsitapi: Coming Together in a Holistic Way strategy in 2021, and the creation of the Iissksiniip Coulee Walk in 2021.
A focus on culture-building activities and initiatives, like the inaugural raising of the Pride Flag at the college in 2016, the opening of the college’s Pride lounge in 2018 and multi-faith room in 2019, being one of just 17 Canadian post-secondary institutions chosen for the Dimensions equity, diversity and inclusion pilot project in 2019, the launch of the college’s Health and Wellness strategy in 2021, and the hiring of the college’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist and Lead Researcher in 2021.

Burns said she is so proud of the college’s “increased role in the fabric of Lethbridge and southern Alberta.”

“Lethbridge College plays a vital role in the local economy, supporting industry, attracting and retaining skilled employees in the region, and working closely with a wide variety of community partners to advance the interests of this region in the province, across the country and internationally.”

Burns at a Lethbridge College Pride Flag raising. (Photo supplied by Lethbridge College)

In addition to her role as President and CEO of Lethbridge College, Burns is the Board Chair for Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Chair of Alberta’s Comprehensive Community Colleges Presidents’ working group, and a member of the Council of Post-Secondary Presidents of Alberta.

She is also a member and past Board Chair of the Board of Directors for Economic Development Lethbridge. In 2018, Burns earned a Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement award from YWCA Lethbridge and District.

Michael Marcotte, chair of the Lethbridge College Board of Governors said, “Paula Burns has been a remarkable leader for Lethbridge College and has done great work to support opportunities for students, while increasing the college’s reputation across the region and province.”

“While it is tough to see her leave, we wish her the best in her new opportunity, and we are excited that she will remain an ally for Lethbridge College in Canada’s post-secondary community.”

Burns was given a Blackfoot name in 2018 by the college’s Kainai Kaahsinnoonik (Grandparent) Peter Weasel Moccasin. Her Blackfoot name is Piita’gaaksiimaaki – Eagle Whistle Woman.

Burns receiving her Blackfoot name from Kainai Kaahsinnoonik (Grandparent) Peter Weasel Moccasin in 2018. (Photo supplied by Lethbridge College)

When bestowing Burns with the name, Weasel Moccasin said, “I felt it was a very appropriate name for her because she helps numerous people globally and locally.”

“She helps them get educated in a good way, so that when they leave this college, they’ll be able to find the things they want to do in life. She has that responsibility.”

Lethbridge College’s Board of Governors will start the search for Burns’ replacement immediately.

by Justin Goulet

Dr. Paula Burns resigns as Lethbridge College President and CEO

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