By Shaun Penner

GPRC

GPRC names new President and CEO

Oct 29, 2019 | 12:02 PM

Don Gnatiuk’s successor has been chosen.

GPRC announced Tuesday morning that Dr. Robert Murray will be taking the role of President and CEO of Grande Prairie Regional College, effective December 2, 2019.

Dr. Murray comes to the Swan City following time as a managing director of the government practice group for the lawfirm Dentons Canada LLP. Murray comes with previous experience in the post-secondary education system, having served as a faculty member at the University of Alberta, Brock University and MacEwan University.

Murray also brings an extensive education portfolio, holding a PhD in Political Science from the University of Alberta, as well as a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in History from Brock University.

“I’m tremendously excited to take on this opportunity at this time in GPRC’s history,” said Murray, in a release. “The College is already well known as a northern centre of excellence in Alberta’s post-secondary education system, and we will continue to build on that success as we work towards becoming a degree granting institution.”

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“I look forward to collaborating with GPRC staff and community stakeholders to enhance the College’s position as a driver of knowledge, innovation and economic development in our region.”

One of the biggest tasks that will be put on Murray’s desk, which he eluded to, is to continue building on GPRC’s path to become degree granting. Chair of the College’s Board of Governors Natalia Reiman says the need to do that led them to choosing Murray to take that challenge, after an extensive search for the right candidate.

“The board’s challenge was to find the next leader to take the College into its degree granting future while continuing to serve all the post-secondary education needs of the region,” said Reiman, in a release. “Dr. Murray brings the right academic background, experience in government relations and education leadership to lead the College into the future.”

Gnatiuk will be exiting his post on November 22, after serving more than 12 years as President of the college. In his time, he has overseen many areas of growth at the college, including adding the Fairview campus, expanding its trades and apprenticeship offerings and undertaking more research projects.

“As we welcome Dr. Murray to the College, the board also thanks outgoing President and CEO Don Gnatiuk for his years of service to the College and region.”