OLDS — The Olds College of Agriculture & Technology (OCAT) now has a new president: Ben Cecil.
Cecil succeeds Stuart Cullum, who served as the college’s president from 2017 to 2022. He will officially assume his new duties on Jan. 16, 2023.
Cecil has served in several roles in a variety of academic institutions, including the University of Regina and several colleges in central Canada.
His appointment was announced Wednesday, Nov. 2 via a news release.
Most recently, Cecil served as academic vice-president at triOS/Eastern College, which has several campuses throughout Ontario.
Before that he was the provost and vice-president, academic & Students at Langara College. He also served as associate vice-president, academic, at Fanshawe College and was the CEO for their research venture. Fanshawe College is headquartered in London Ont.
Cecil has also held roles as a dean at Niagara College, and academic administrative roles at the University of Regina.
Cecil earned his Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario, specializing in financial and corporate geography with additional specializations in co-operative business behaviour and technology partnerships.
“As an award-winning teacher and innovation leader in Canada, Dr. Cecil brings a unique perspective of academic and entrepreneurial experiences to his new role as president of Olds College,” the news release says.
“I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Ben Cecil will serve as the 14th president of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology,” Leona Staples, chair of the college’s board of governors said in the release.
“Dr. Cecil brings a depth of knowledge and experience from the Canadian post-secondary sector. He believes in bringing academic dreams to life.
“From innovation in the classroom, to helping build the success stories of students, Dr. Cecil has a track record of finding and promoting opportunities for students, faculty teams, and industry partners.
Dr. Cecil’s student-centric, equity-informed leadership approach will be a wonderful addition to the college team,” she added.
Cecil indicated that he’s looking forward to his new role.
“It is an incredible honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Canada’s top agriculture college,” he said in the release.
“I am grateful to the search committee and the board of governors for the confidence they have placed in me to be the next president.
“Olds College is uniquely positioned to leverage its innovative and entrepreneurial culture to train the next generation of agricultural leaders who will deploy new technologies, optimize agricultural output, and develop transformative practices to create a better world through an exceptionally talented and dedicated team of faculty and staff.
“In a time when agriculture education is needed more than ever, I am excited to lead this great institution in service to our students, our college and our communities.”
Cecil and his wife Lynn have two adult children.
