College of the Rockies welcomes new president and CEO David Walls

College of the Rockies president & CEO David Walls.

Mr. Walls has more than 30 years’ experience in the Canadian post-secondary system. Most recently he served as provost and vice-president Academic at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) where he also held the positions of associate vice-president Academic and Student Affairs, and Dean of Industrial Training.

Prior to joining SIAST, Mr. Walls held progressively senior positions at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) including Dean of Energy and Natural Resources, and Dean of Mechanical Trades and Technologies.

Mr. Walls has served as chair and a member of the board of the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre, and as a member of the boards of the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network and the International Mining Innovation Institute.

He holds a Master of Science, Welding Technology and Management from Aston University in Birmingham, England and a Bachelor of Technology, Metallurgy from Brunel University in Uxbridge.

“In David Walls we have a president with the experience, leadership qualities and vision to build upon College of the Rockies’ achievements and take the innovative spirit of the college to greater heights,” said Orest Federko, chair of College of the Rockies’ board of governors. “He has a passion for post-secondary education and student success, and the ability to lead a consultative process in setting a strategic course for College of the Rockies’ future.”

“He is a dedicated and successful leader who is experienced in strategic management and institutional growth, has led the development of market-driven education and training, is skilled in building partnerships and successful teams, has an entrepreneurial flair, and leads with a consultative style,” said Federko. “The board welcomes David and his family to Cranbrook and looks forward to working with him to continue to provide the citizens of our region and beyond with quality post-secondary education opportunities.”

“My goal over the next few months is to learn as much as I can about College of the Rockies and the communities we serve and their training needs by meeting and speaking with college staff, faculty, administrators, our board of governors, and our community and industry partners,” said Walls.

“Under the leadership of retiring president Nick Rubidge, College of the Rockies has earned a solid reputation for innovation and growth,” continued Walls. “I’m excited to have the opportunity and privilege to lead this great institution into a future I have no doubt will be filled with amazing opportunities and interesting challenges.”

“My family and I have just taken possession of our new home in Cranbrook and we’re looking forward to living and working in the beautiful Kootenay region of British Columbia.”

Mr. Walls succeeds Dr. Nick Rubidge who is retiring after 12 years as College of the Rockies President and CEO and 40 years in BC’s post-secondary education sector.