Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland's president and CEO, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal on March 2. She was nominated for the honour by Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta minister for advanced education, in recognition of her service in the field of adult education.

“Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart is a perfect example of who this medal is meant to celebrate,” says Adam Waterman, chair of the Lakeland College Board of Governors. “She has led by example through her dedication to post-secondary and adult education, both in her current role as president of Lakeland College, and throughout her more than 30-year career at Lakeland. On a personal level, it is humbling to work beside someone whose selfless service continues to have such a positive impact on our institution, region, and province. We are proud of her accomplishments and pleased the Government of Alberta saw fit to commemorate her for them.”

Wainwright-Stewart began her career at Lakeland in 1982, first teaching evening classes in the early childhood development program. A year later, she was a full-time instructor and a year after that, chair of the program. Wainwright-Stewart became both the dean and the chair of human services programs within the next decade, creating the School of Health and Human Services in 1998.

Wainwright-Stewart served as vice president, academic, for almost 10 years before being appointed Lakeland's ninth president on May 4, 2015.

Since becoming president, Wainwright-Stewart has focused on increasing Lakeland's emphasis on student-managed learning opportunities. She is a champion of truth and reconciliation efforts, leading in the creation of Lakeland's Indigenous Student Lounge. She has also overseen substantial growth in capital projects both on Vermilion and Lloydminster campuses, including the creation of the hairstyling salon, Dairy Learning Centre, Agriculture Technology Centre, Energy Park Site and the newly renovated WHT Mead Building.

“It's an honour to receive this recognition along with many of my post-secondary colleagues,” says Wainwright-Stewart. “I truly believe that access to higher education is essential to improving our province and our communities and am proud to be able to dedicate myself to that cause. Being recognized for this work is humbling and I appreciate it so much.”

In addition to her roles at Lakeland, Wainwright-Stewart has also been involved in the Alberta Council for Admissions and Transfers, Alberta Promise Board of Directors, and Child Care Network. She served as chair of the Alberta Provincial Early Childhood Coordinators. Currently, she is an active member of the Alberta post-secondary network and The Presidents Leadership Network Coordinating Committee for Canada. She's also a regional director on the Colleges and Institutes Canada board and the Chair of the Alberta Post-Secondary Application System (APAS).

The Platinum Jubilee Medal commemorates the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. It was given to 7,000 residents of Alberta who have made significant contributions to their community and country.

Photo: Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart (left) receives Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal from Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta minister for advanced education.