College of the Rockies welcomed Michael Crowe as its ninth president and chief executive officer on Thursday, May 1.
Crowe, known as a visionary and dynamic leader, has a proven track record of success. Most recently, as Vice President Academic at Bow Valley College, he achieved many notable accomplishments in addition to overseeing substantial enrolment increases over a three-year period.
Michael Crowe took the helm at College of the Rockies on May 1, 2025.
His passion for the College sector stood out throughout the presidential search process. Also notable was Crowe's aptitude for relationship building, a skill which will enable him to create impactful new opportunities for students and the College, while also developing solutions to address regional workforce needs.
Crowe holds a Master of Science in Ecology and has a diverse academic background, beginning his career as a teaching assistant at the University of Lethbridge and later serving as a faculty member at both Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly Lethbridge College) and Lakeland College. With extensive experience in academic leadership, he progressed into roles such as Dean, Teaching and Learning and Vice President, Academic and Research at Lakeland College, eventually becoming Vice President, Academic at Bow Valley College.
"It is an honour to join College of the Rockies and to help shape its next chapter," Crowe said. "This institution is deeply connected to the communities we serve and fully committed to providing an exceptional experience for our students, and I'm excited to work alongside students, faculty, and staff to build on this strong foundation and create new opportunities for growth and innovation."
No stranger to the East Kootenay, having spent three field seasons in the region early in his career while working on environmental science contracts, Crowe is looking forward to once again enjoying mountain biking, hiking, and paddling in Cranbrook and the surrounding region.
"We feel so fortunate to be returning to the East Kootenay. It's a place that's always been special to us. I look forward to reconnecting with the land and the people and contributing to the social and economic vibrancy of the entire region through the work we do at the College," Crowe added.
Under Crowe's leadership, College of the Rockies is poised for innovation and growth, continuing its commitment to providing the best small college experience in Canada.
Learn more about College of the Rockies at cotr.ca
