News Archives: New Dean Appointed for the School of Trades, Agriculture and Environment
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020
Mark Heartt, Dean, School of Trades, Agriculture and Environment.
Mark Heartt is a Red Seal Carpenter and an entrepreneur. In his new role as Dean at Grande Prairie Regional College, he鈥檒l be responsible for the School of Trades, Agriculture and Environment.
Heartt joined GPRC on December 7, 2020 after 14 years at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek as an instructor, chair, and Dean of the School of Trades and Apprenticeships.
While there are no hammers, saws or drills required in his current position, Heartt sees parallels to large construction projects in his past.
鈥淎s a Dean, I鈥檓 developing people and building a culture that is respected and professional,鈥 he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 building confidence within my school for faculty, staff and students. As with any building project you can鈥檛 do it yourself. You need a strong team to get the job done.鈥
Heartt is responsible for ensuring GPRC programming is up to date while seeking opportunities for stimulating growth in the school and GPRC as a whole.
鈥淚ncreasing enrolment of the school is my priority,鈥 he says. 鈥淲e鈥檒l continue to use the technology that has been developed during the pandemic to reach learners that may not have been able to come to our campuses. We are always looking for more efficient ways to deliver quality programs to learners.鈥
Joining GPRC allows Heartt to build on the foundation he鈥檇 established at Northern Lights College and in his earlier industry experience.
鈥淚 wanted to expand my post-secondary experience at a larger college, and GPRC is the perfect fit for that,鈥 says Heartt. 鈥淚 had previously lived in Grande Prairie, from 1986 to 2002, so it feels like returning home.鈥
Heartt grew up on a mixed farming operation north of Dawson Creek in the Doe River area. He credits his strong work ethic with having worked for the family business.
鈥淚 joke that my dad was the toughest employer I鈥檝e ever had. He couldn鈥檛 fire me and I couldn鈥檛 quit. Mom was Human Resources,鈥 he says.
Heartt operated a construction company for 16 years and worked in the energy sector during the winter prior to joining Northern Lights College. He also returned for a stint raising cattle with his father until the farm was sold.
While he chose not to continue farming, Heartt鈥檚 background in this sector will be invaluable in the agriculture area of his portfolio.
鈥淲hen I started my apprenticeship in 1986, I never would have guessed I鈥檇 be working as a Dean all these years later. My experience as a tradesperson has enabled me to see the larger picture, to be a leader and a problem solver. My time as a business owner has prepared me to manage budgets and projects and do strategic planning.鈥
Heartt is an advocate for trades education.
鈥淚 believe education is the gateway to independence for people. An educated society is a healthy, productive society. I鈥檓 passionate about trades training because of the possibilities that can happen for a qualified person. I鈥檓 a testament to that. I have to give credit to my trades background for the opportunities I鈥檝e been given.鈥
When he is away from the office, Heartt enjoys curling, riding quads, and woodworking. He鈥檚 also a coach for Special Olympics curling.