Right now Keyano College is facing some financial struggles, and these are caused in part by a lower demand for classes and industry training due to the current economy. Interim president Tracy Edwards is prepared to face the challenges though. Edwards was named the interim president for the school after Kevin Nagel suddenly resigned from his position on the board a little more than a week ago. Edwards is confident that she has the skills and experience needed to turn things around in spite of all the budget cuts that Keyano College has seen in recent months. Tracy Edwards told the media that “I’ve done that a number of times. Particularly when I went to Lethbridge in 2005 (it was) very similar situation — lots of issues around finances. So I do have some experience coming into an environment like this. What people want during a time of turbulence is basically some stability, some vision and some hope. To be assured that the future is bright. Yes, it’s been a little bit rocky but we have a lot to look forward too. And working together, we can figure it out.”

According to Kara Flynn, the Keyano College board chair, the choice of interim president was an obvious one. Flynn also explained the situation by saying “Keyano is not immune to, unfortunately, the lower revenues that are being generated in this community through this time. So we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions as an organization.” The recent staff layoffs all involved support roles at the college.