The Lethbridge College Board of Governors has appointed Peter Leclaire as Interim President and CEO, effective July 1, 2012. Leclaire is currently the vice-president academic and chief learning officer at Lethbridge College. His appointment will ensure smooth transitions and the continued forward movement on many of the important projects underway at the college.
“We’re confident that Peter will provide sound stewardship while the search and selection process is underway for a new President and CEO,” said R.L (Randy) Jespersen, Lethbridge College Board of Governors Chair. “As a board, we are very appreciative that we have such an accomplished leader to help us through this transition period and continue the wonderful legacy that Tracy Edwards will leave behind as she bids farewell to Lethbridge College.”
Leclaire has been in his current role since 2005. His main focus as vice-president academic has been to work with academic and enrolment management services to create the best possible experiences for Lethbridge College students. In addition, Leclaire has recently led the development of the academic vision of the institution. This work focused on changing the learning experience for students to help to prepare them for a constantly changing world and assist them in their pursuit of success.
Leclaire is thrilled with the challenge and opportunity that awaits him as interim president.
“The board has provided me with a tremendous opportunity to lead the institution until a president has been appointed,” said Leclaire. “The momentum created around key capital projects at the college is exciting. I’m looking forward to maintaining and furthering the institution with the continued execution of our strategic plan.”
Leclaire has rich and interesting educational background. He received his bachelor of art’s degree in art and architectural history from the University of British Columbia. While there, Leclaire was a member of what TSN describes as the “awesome” 1982 UBC Thunderbirds football team, considered the greatest in CIAU history. It went undefeated in Canadian competition (12-0) and won the Canadian championship. From there, Leclaire returned to Alberta and continued his studies at Lethbridge College where he received his diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology in 1986. He would later go on to receive his MBA from Royal Roads University in Educational Administration.
Leclaire came back to the college in 1991 as a casual instructor, keeping a consulting company for engineering services until becoming a continuing faculty member a few years later. From there he became a program chair and then a dean.
Leclaire has served on a number of provincial committees on behalf of Lethbridge College and the post-secondary system. They include the Alberta Rural Development Network Board of Directors, the steering committee for Apply Alberta, and the ITM Policy Framework steering committee. In addition, Leclaire has also spent the last 10 years coaching for the Southern Alberta Lacrosse Association.
Lethbridge College has engaged the executive search firm of Odgers Berndtson to help find its next President and CEO.