Red River College Polytechnic’s Board of Governors (BOG) has announced its unanimous decision to extend the contract of President and CEO Fred Meier until July 2028.

“President Meier has surpassed the Board’s expectations in all he has accomplished since joining RRC Polytech,” says board Chair Loren Cisyk. “Extending his contract today ensures we will continue to build for the future with his strong, visionary leadership in place. We share our complete confidence in Mr. Meier’s ability to lead RRC Polytech forward as it strives to meet and exceed the needs of students and staff, as well as our partners in industry and the community.”

Since joining RRC Polytech in July 2020, Meier has been integral in charting a bold new path for the College. This includes rebranding the College to RRC Polytech, embracing its identity as Manitoba’s polytechnic, and creating its Strategic Plan 2022-2026: In Front of What’s Ahead.

This ambitious plan commits RRC Polytech to transform its learning models to amplify its impact across Manitoba, cements the College’s commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation and the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything it does, and focuses its efforts on deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.

Through Meier’s leadership, RRC Polytech has taken many necessary and meaningful steps towards advancing the goals of the strategic plan, including a 98 per cent completion rate of RRC Polytech’s Comprehensive Campaign, In Front of What’s Ahead.

Thanks to the support of generous donors and industry partners, gifts are making a direct impact for today’s learners and will allow the College to create more supports and programs to help future students achieve success — from new and increased scholarships and bursaries, to the donation of computers, the launch of a new mentorship program for Indigenous learners, and the opening of the Centre for Newcomer Integration and the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.

RRC Polytech has taken steps toward its collective commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, including the establishment of the Knowledge Keepers’ Council, the creation of more Indigenous student pathway programs, and increased industry partnerships to support Indigenous learners across Manitoba.

“Every day, I am inspired by the work we do and the people who lead it,” says Meier. “I look forward to leading our institution forward and continuing to work together to build an even stronger and more successful Manitoba.

“I am humbled and incredibly honoured for this opportunity to continue to serve as President and CEO of RRC Polytech. And above all else, I am thankful. RRC Polytech is a partnership-driven enterprise at every single level. I thank our staff, faculty and students with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work since I joined the College for their continued support and commitment to embrace the direction and path we are on.

“I thank the Board of Governors for their confidence in my leadership. And I thank our industry, community and donor partners for their continued trust, support and investment in our students and in the College.”