For over 50 years RDC has been proudly serving our learners and our communities. RDC offers more than 100 different programs (including full degrees, certificates, diplomas and skilled trades programs) to 7,500 full- and part-time credit students and more than 36,000 youth and adult learners in the School of Continuing Education each year. Named by Alberta Venture magazine as one of Alberta’s most innovative organizations for the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing, RDC is a key location for applied and industry-led research. Our main campus is strategically situated on 290 acres of Alberta’s natural landscape along Queen Elizabeth II Highway. We have also expanded our learning and performing arts space into the heart of downtown Red Deer through our Welikoklad Event Centre and the Donald School of Business.

Mr. Ward received his Undergraduate Degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s Degree in Education from Brock University.  He has extensive experience in college and community leadership, teaching and learning and program development. He has been the President and CEO of Red Deer College since September, 2009. Prior to this, Mr. Ward has served as Vice-President Academic, and President and CEO of Assiniboine Community College in Brandon MB and past Associate Dean of the School of Business at Sheridan College in Oakville, ON. A former professor of marketing and International Business, Joel taught in Pakistan and China in collaboration with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).  He has served as a member of the Board of Governors of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CiCan), and currently is a Director on the Board of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council of Alberta, and a member of the Edmonton International Airport Business Advisory Committee.