August 28, 2013

Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) new dean of business and enterprise, Stephen Finnagan believes strongly in “out-the-door leadership,” which takes him out of the office and into the classrooms, community and meeting people face-to-face. This approach allows Finnagan to ensure that what is happening within the college is relevant to the needs of the business community. It as well ensures that the faculty and students are supported.

“I want all the divisional staff and students to know that their opinion and success is very important to me,” said Finnagan. “I consider it my job to ensure that the right policy, procedures and resources are in place to ensure those that support the students directly are able to do their job well. It also ensures that when students leave they are at the leading edge.”

Finnagan hails from Ottawa and has 25 years of experience in the education field at Algonquin College which is complemented by his prior business experience.  He started his post-secondary career as a program coordinator and later managed Algonquin’s technology and trades division. He has worked extensively in curriculum development and joint ventures with businesses and other educational institutions throughout Canada and the world. He has a MBA at the Queen’s School of Business and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Edinburgh Business School where he is embarking on research related to international joint ventures in education.

Prior to joining MHC, Finnagan worked in Saudi Arabia where he helped to launch two technical programs.

Finnagan has expertise in policy development and for more than a decade has sat on the Canadian Standards Association and three technical sub-committees, for setting rules for the Canadian Electrical Code.

He believes that during the business division’s growth stage his experience will be an asset.

“There are a lot of synergies between the different departments. What I look forward to doing is bringing the best out of all these programs so the whole is greater than the sum of the individual areas,” said Finnagan.

Finnagan added that he is optimistic of the future changes.

 “The institution is taking the next big step in its growth, which is typical of any institution. I am part of the team to take it to that next level and I can honestly say it has good people and a good foundation for growth.”

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Media contact:

Kendra Borgen
Media Officer
Medicine Hat College
Direct: 403.504.3643
Email:  kborgen@mhc.ab.ca