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GPRC announces new CEO and president

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Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) will get a new president and CEO effective Dec. 2 after Don Gnatiuk announced his retirement from the position earlier this year.

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GPRC’s board of governors announced Robert Murray as the replacement in a Tuesday release. Murray is currently the managing director of the government practice group at Dentons Canada LLP, the world’s largest law firm.

“I’m tremendously excited to take on this opportunity at this time in GPRC’s history,” Murray said in a release.

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“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.”

According to GPRC, Murray has executive leadership experience in professional and business advisory services, economic development, education and public policy. He has served as a faculty member at the University of Alberta, Brock University and MacEwan University.

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In addition, Murray holds a PhD in political science from the University of Alberta, a master of arts in Political Science and a bachelor of arts (hons.) in history from Brock University. He also has an extensive international academic publication record.

“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,” Murray said.

GPRC noted that its board of governors had conducted a comprehensive search for a new president and CEO while consulting with students, faculty, staff and community leaders.

“This is a pivotal time in GPRC’s growth as a post-secondary educational institution in northwestern Alberta,” said GPRC Board of Governors Chair Natalia Reiman in a release.

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The college recently began the process to achieve degree-granting status, expanded its stewardship region and moved more into scholarship and research. It also grew into trades and apprenticeships with the addition of the Fairview Campus.

“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,” Reiman said. “Dr. Murray brings the right academic background, experience in government relations and education leadership to lead the College into the future.”

“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,” she added.

Gnatiuk’s last day at the college will be Nov. 22.

“GPRC is fortunate to have strong community partners and support and, while there is no shortage of work cut out for us, I am confident we can work collectively to turn the vision for GPRC and its students’ future into reality,” Murray said.

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