Slave Lake, Alberta (March 14, 2022): After an extensive national search, Northern Lakes College is pleased to announce Dr. Sandy Vanderburgh as the new Vice President, Academic. 

Dr. Vanderburgh has over 16 years’ experience in post-secondary administration and has worked as a faculty member, researcher, Dean, and Provost and Vice President Academic. Dr. Vanderburgh has extensive experience working in Alberta, where he served as Dean at Lethbridge College and Interim Vice President, Academic at Medicine Hat College. Recently, he served as the Provost and Vice President, Academic at British Columbia’s fourth largest university.

“I’m honoured with the opportunity to be a part of Northern Lakes College and to work with President Mitchell’s leadership team,” Dr. Vanderburgh says. “I’m particularly drawn to NLC’s focus on student success, how they offer an inclusive, Supported Distance Learning environment, and the wide range of programming that is responsive to industry and community needs. The chance to work with over 50 communities including 15 First Nations and 4 Métis Settlements also attracted me to NLC.”

A central component of Dr. Vanderburgh’s academic career has been his field research in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. This includes more than 50 authored or co-authored articles on coastal geomorphology and coastal erosion and research in Canada’s North on the Athabasca, Slave, and Mackenzie Rivers. “The chance to return to Alberta and the North also make working at NLC and living in Slave Lake such an amazing opportunity,” says Dr. Vanderburgh.

“Northern Lakes College is pleased to welcome Sandy to our NLC family, and I look forward to the expertise and leadership he will provide,” comments Dr. Glenn Mitchell, President & CEO.

Dr. Vanderburgh will commence in the position in May.

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A distance learning college, Northern Lakes College provides the most accessible and flexible educational opportunities through innovative delivery. Utilizing its unique Supported Distance Learning (SDL) model, NLC assists 5,000 students annually to continue their education, improve their employment opportunities, and enhance their quality of life. Committed to its communities in northern Alberta and to its students, wherever they may be, NLC collaborates with business, industry, and other post-secondary institutions to benefit students and communities. Explore at www.northernlakescollege.ca.

For additional information contact:

Rachel Ouellette
Director, External Relations, Marketing & Communication
Office of the President
Northern Lakes College
news@northernlakescollege.ca