Campus News

Lakeland College develops FIRST BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEGREE

Lakeland College is offering Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology. Developed to enable students to keep ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of agricultural technology, Lakeland’s bachelor of agriculture technology program offers real-world experience with the latest agricultural equipment, software, hardware and digital devices.

Starting in September 2021, the two-year, post-credential program consists of full-time studies at the Vermilion campus and experiential learning practicums off campus, all designed to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and agricultural management and production systems. “Our new degree program will produce graduates who can effectively use emerging technologies and the data they produce in commercial agriculture to provide important answers on return on investment,” says Michael Crowe, Lakeland’s vice president of academic and research. Students will delve into crop and livestock farming and smart agriculture as a management system, including data collection and analysis as well as the use of interpretative tools and programs such as robotics, geospatial tools, artificial intelligence and others. They’ll also learn how to analyze and troubleshoot industry-leading hardware, software and data platforms. Students will operate and adapt the technology and data systems on Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland.

MORE NEW PROGRAMS

FOR FALL 2021

Lakeland will offer three other new programs this fall: agricultural sustainability diploma, post-bachelor certificate in commercial agriculture production and an applied environmental sciences certificate. The three new programs will feature hands-on learning opportunities and will be offered at the Vermilion campus.

“We’re excited to expand our program offering for September.

Each program provides practical training in areas where these industries need qualified professionals ready to put their education into action. We know our students learn best through action, which is why each of our new programs offers experiential learning opportunities that will equip them for success,” says Crowe.

“Graduates of the program will bring unique skill sets into the workforce by blending both agriculture production and agricultural technology expertise. Industry feedback indicated there is a shortage of agricultural professionals who can interface between the two disciplines – our degree program will fill that gap,” says Josie Van Lent, dean of the School of Agriculture Technology and Applied Research. “We greatly appreciate the support and help from industry in the development of this program.” Students will specialize in either crops or livestock technological applications. Practicums will be completed at agriculture data companies, technology and equipment manufacturers, crop input service providers, private agronomist service companies, breeding and genomic companies, and other related agriculture industries. Graduates will find employment in a variety of agricultural production fields. The bachelor of agriculture technology program is the culmination of several years of consultation, research and development, says Crowe. It was established in response to demand from industry and students. More than 40 agricultural organizations and companies were consulted during an independent industry needs assessment. A student survey indicated strong interest in a degree program as well. Students in the bachelor of agriculture technology program will complete their on-campus studies and hands-on training in Lakeland’s new Agriculture Technology Centre. The 8,000-square-foot building at the Vermilion campus will be an on-farm lab where students gain experience working with new ag technologies and analyzing new data-sets. For more information or to apply, visit

lakelandcollege.ca/AgTechDegree.

Harris wins international gold for STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Finding innovative ways to help students become better learners has earned Karen Harris a 2020 Gold Award of Excellence from the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP). Harris, the learner success strategist at Lakeland College, won gold in the Student Support Services category in November during the WFCP’s online awards ceremony. The category celebrates excellence in provision of services that support students throughout their college experience. “Karen’s work with students is renowned throughout Lakeland. Rather than a cookie-cutter approach, she pulls from her extensive tool kit of strategies and techniques to meet the needs of students and help them succeed,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “I’m very proud of Karen and all she’s done for our students and thrilled that her contributions are being recognized by the WFCP.” The most popular tool Harris uses to destress students and get them in the right mindset for learning is poi balls. Harris has worked with almost 1,000 Lakeland students in individual and group sessions since becoming the college’s learner success strategist in 2017.

“I love working with students and helping them identify who they are as learners. Learning is very instinctual for each person. By knowing more about ourselves and how we react to situations, not only does learning become easier, so too does life,” says Harris, who has worked in education for more than 35 years. Before joining Lakeland in 2015, she taught in secondary schools in Kitscoty and Lloydminster. During the online ceremony, recipients were recognized in eight categories, based on the international value of the award-winning institutions, individuals, and programs, as well as their achievements, benefits to students, and innovation.

WFCP received 113 award nominations from across the world. Of the finalists, only four were from Canada. Harris was Canada’s lone gold recipient. Other finalists in the Student Support Services category were from institutions in China and the United Kingdom. The WFCP Awards of Excellence are presented every second year. In 2016, Lakeland received a bronze award for leadership development. In 2014, the college won silver in the college-industry partnership category for its commitment to involve industry in the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland.

NEWCOMERS WELCOMED TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Lakeland College Board of Governors welcomed four new public members. “We are pleased to welcome our new members to our Board of Governors. They bring a wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and connections with them and our Lakeland community is enriched with their presence,” says Scott Webb, chair of the Lakeland College Board of Governors. The four new public members are Brent Fischer, Jessica Kelly, Lloyd Snelgrove and Adam Waterman. Visit lakelandcollege.ca to learn more about the Board of Governors and its members.

DEAN RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

The international award is presented to a person who has dedicated a significant part of their life to the advocacy of professional qualifications in the fire service through accreditation and certification. It is one of two awards presented at the ProBoard’s annual conference, held virtually on Jan. 11. “It was a surprise and I am truly humbled to be awarded the prestigious Johnny G. Wilson Memorial Award by the ProBoard, an international fire service accreditation body,” says Senaratne. “Demonstrating professionalism through a commitment to the field, maintaining sound working relationships with colleagues, and a consistent standard of ethics among other considerations have been central tenets I have strived for throughout my career of close to 30 years. To now be recognized for these same principles is a considerable honour that I’m immensely grateful for.”

MNP donates

Chris Senaratne, dean of the Emergency Training Centre, was presented with the 2021 Johnny G. Wilson Memorial Award in recognition of his lifetime of advocacy and commitment to the fire service.

MNP has donated $90,000 to Lakeland College’s Leading. Learning. The Lakeland Campaign. in support of programming and research initiatives focused on agriculture technology. A portion of MNP’s gift will help fund equipment for the Agriculture Technology Centre at the Vermilion campus. This facility will be home to the college’s new bachelor of agriculture technology program that starts this fall.

“We are excited to help educate students in this program, who will play a critical role in the digital transformation of our Canadian farms,” says Stuart Person, Senior Vice President, Agriculture at MNP. Applied research will also receive a boost from MNP’s generosity. Half of the funding will support research projects that will help producers better understand and use new agriculture technologies. “MNP recognizes the contributions of Lakeland College to the education of people in the agriculture industry, especially those alumni who are the next generation of producers and advocates,

and those that we work with now as they continue to take on bigger roles in their own operations and within the industry. Lakeland has always been acknowledged as a staple across the prairies and given MNP’s history in agriculture and our prairie roots, this is a natural fit,” says Scott Dickson, Director, Livestock Services and VP Hutterite Services at MNP.

“Our thanks to MNP for their investment in these important initiatives at Lakeland. Our Agriculture Technology Centre will be a central hub for collecting and analyzing production and sustainability data generated across our Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland. Students, faculty and researchers will use the facility as they work to increase the efficiency and quality of livestock and crops through the development and adoption of new ag technology,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland’s President and CEO. “Together, we’ll continue to advance real-world agricultural productivity and sustainability in commercial agriculture.”

APPLIED RESEARCH GROWS

WITH NEW AGREEMENT

Lakeland College’s applied research portfolio is growing thanks to the governments of Canada and Alberta. Lakeland received a $1.9-million grant to transition two critical agriculture research programs. This investment in research also expands research capacity and teaching opportunities for the next generation of researchers in Alberta. The agreement allows the college to grow and leverage its existing research capacity. This will make way for new learning opportunities for instructors and students as well as more collaboration with industry. The three-year agreement supports Lakeland taking over pulse agronomy and beef production systems programs in Alberta. “Through these investments in science and research, we are helping to keep our pulse and beef producers on the cutting edge. This agreement with Lakeland College will support producer-led research priorities in these industries, while cultivating the next generation of agriculture researchers. A win-win,” says MarieClaude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The pulse agronomy program is a mixture of extension and pulse research projects across Alberta that facilitates the growth of the agriculture and food industry and enhances rural sustainability. The beef production systems program focuses on livestock disease and pathogens, pain mitigation strategies and production efficiency, including beef forage, feed rations and genetics. “This agreement is another exciting step for farmer-led research. Agriculture will continue to have a bright future in Alberta with cutting-edge research and research excellence. The pulse and cattle industry will benefit having this research housed at Lakeland College,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

CYC PROGRAM

receives accreditation

Lakeland College’s child and youth care diploma program has earned accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada.

Accreditation acknowledges Lakeland as a provider of quality post-secondary education in the field of child and youth care. The accreditation is effective Feb. 17, 2021 to Feb. 16, 2028. “Receiving accreditation from the Child and Youth Care Education Board of Canada is an acknowledgement of Lakeland’s commitment to excellence in the delivery of our program and assures our students that they are receiving the highest standard in child and youth care education,” says Joanne McDonald, Lakeland’s chair of human services. “Child and youth care is an essential part of Lakeland’s human services department, and learning to support and encourage young people in our society is critically important.” Offered at Lakeland since 2001, the program can be completed in person or online. It provides real world learning with four practicum placements over the duration of the diploma. Lakeland offers one of three accredited child and youth care diploma programs in Alberta and one of 12 across Canada.

COLLEGE JACKETS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Shelby Bygrove, an animal science technology student, is joined by her great uncle Raymond Bygrove, Class of 1960, in a photo to mark the completion of her program. Both are from Hillmond, Sask.

Don’t Shelby and Raymond both look great in their college jackets? We’d love to see more pictures of people rocking their

Lakeland gear. Send us a photo of you wearing your college jacket and we’ll post it on our Alumni Facebook page. Email it to raelean.hickson@lakelandcollege.ca