(EDMONTON, AB) Laura Jo Gunter, the seventh president and CEO of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), spoke about the polytechnic’s role in fostering prosperity through education at her virtual installation on Monday afternoon. The event marked Gunter’s official welcome to NAIT, following her appointment to the role on Aug. 24, 2020.
Gunter’s remarks focused on NAIT’s long-standing dedication to enhancing prosperity through hands-on learning and a practical approach to innovation. She reinforced the increasingly important roles of continuing education and microcredentials to help address skills gaps, as well as the need to embrace new technology and tools like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and simulations.
She also spoke about the positive impact NAIT’s applied research and support of industry – especially in energy, environment and sustainable development sectors – has had on Alberta, and her plan to lead growth in both areas. Gunter acknowledged that NAIT must become more inclusive and diverse as it continues to meet the evolving needs for skills and talent.
Gunter is the polytechnic’s first female president and a nationally respected leader in post-secondary and private sectors. She came to NAIT after serving three years as president and CEO of Bow Valley College in Calgary and has held senior executive roles at George Brown College and Seneca College in Toronto.
The installation – a formal acknowledgement of a change in leadership – is the president’s first formal introduction to students, alumni, industry and members of the community.
Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, and NAIT Board Chair Ray Pisani participated in the event, congratulating Gunter on her appointment.
LEARN MORE
QUOTES
- Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT’s President and CEO.
- Ray Pisani, NAIT’s Board of Governors Chair
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Mailing Address:
11762 - 106 Street
Edmonton, AB, Canada, T5G 2R1
At NAIT, we honour and acknowledge that the land on which we learn, work and live is Treaty Six territory. We seek to learn from history and the lessons that have come before us, and to draw on the wisdom of the First Peoples in Canada. Only through learning can we move forward in truth and reconciliation, and to a better future together. Read more
Contact us
Visit the Student Service Centre or Contact page for more information.
