Former Portage College president Trent Keough has retired after two years at the helm of Keyano College in Fort McMurray. And former Portage College financial officer Dale Mountain is taking over as the new acting interim president.
According to reports from Fort McMurray media, Keough's' departure was sudden.
Keyano College Board of Governors chairperson Shelley Powell received the resignation notice on May 8.
In a statement released on May 11, Mountain, who left his postilion as Portage's chief financial manager when Keough went to Keyano, said Keough oversaw many challenges during his time in Fort McMurray.
"On behalf of the Keyano Executive and College staff, I would like to acknowledge the contribution Dr. Keough made to the College and thank him for his leadership during very challenging times,” said Mountain, who has been Keyano's chief financial officer since 2018. “We wish him the best.”
Northern change
The change in leadership comes not only in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has changed the way most post-secondary classes are operating, but also on the heels of a devastating flood in the northern community that displaced upwards of 13,000 people.
Mountain acknowledged the challenging times in his comments about the out-going college boss.
"Our College, and the community in which we live is in unprecedented times. I am confident with the support of our employees, my executive colleagues, the Board of Governors, our community and stakeholders, we will prevail and better days are ahead” said Mountain.
On his personal social media page, Keough's retirement posting on the morning of May 8 said, in part, "Enough is enough."
"Full on retirement now! Resigned from Keyano a few minutes ago. Enough is enough," noted an entry.
In response to many congratulatory retirement comments on the posting, part of the retirement plans could include "time to write and rant without fear of any choke hold," notes a response from the page's author.
Although the postings claim "full on retirement," Keough's current LinkedIn profile identifies him as a self-employed freelance educational consultant.
