Portage College is pleased to announce that Ray Danyluk will serve as the new Chair of the Board of Governors. The news came when the Government of Alberta agreed to appoint Danyluk after a public application process and a board recommendation from Portage College.

"My goal is to encourage and help provide more opportunities and access for education in rural Alberta," Danyluk said. "I look forward to working with the board, college administration, faculty and staff. Together we will work to grow institutional excellence."  

Danyluk comes to Portage College with a strong resume including time spent as the Government of Alberta representative for the visioning of Campus Alberta. He was also the St. Paul Education Board Chair. During his time in government, Danyluk held several cabinet portfolios. He was Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Transportation, and the Minister of Infrastructure where he helped build schools across Alberta. He also served as the Chair of the Northern Alberta Development Council and the Youth Secretariat of Alberta. Danyluk has long worked to address and strengthen the educational needs of youth in northern Alberta. 

Within his Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing portfolio, Ray championed the increase of student housing for rural colleges. During his tenure, Portage College received over $5.3 million for its Lac La Biche and St. Paul campus housing projects. Ray was instrumental in the college's securing funding for the St. Paul student housing project.

"We are pleased to have Ray Danyluk assume the role of Chair of the Board," said Dr. Trent Keough, President and CEO of Portage College. "Ray has a wealth of experience working in this area, and with such a passionate commitment to education he will be a tremendous asset for our College."

Members of the board are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor and the Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education, and are expected to make decisions that serve the greater good of the entire College.

"This College provides a great opportunity for the people of the region, and I want to help further its message of inclusion and excellence in education," Danyluk said.