dR. tOM sNELL’S
Academic and Professional Background
Academic Background
Tom’s pursuit of advanced education, spanning various institutions and fields, underscores his commitment to academic excellence and his continuous quest for knowledge. These educational achievements have undoubtedly contributed to his capacity to lead and shape educational institutions successfully.
Doctorate of Education, Major: Higher Education, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
(1990 – 1995)
Completing a Doctorate of Education with a major in Higher Education signifies Tom’s commitment to advancing his knowledge and expertise in educational leadership. This doctoral program prepared him for the challenges of leading educational institutions and contributed to his deep understanding of higher education dynamics.
Doctorate in Administration, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA (Partial Completion)
(1982 – 1986)
While not completed, Tom’s enrollment in a Doctorate in Administration program at Gonzaga University reflects his dedication to furthering his academic qualifications in educational leadership. This endeavor showcases his aspiration to gain a comprehensive understanding of administrative principles.
Masters in Administration, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
(1976 – 1978)
Tom’s completion of a Master’s in Administration program at Gonzaga University provided him with valuable insights into educational administration and leadership. This graduate degree laid the foundation for his administrative roles in educational institutions.
Graduate courses in Educational Psychology and Additional Professional Courses
(1973 – 1976)
Tom’s engagement in graduate courses in Educational Psychology, along with additional professional courses in Computer Programming and Administration at the University of Calgary, demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. These courses broadened his knowledge base and equipped him with diverse skills that would prove invaluable in his career.
B.Ed., Major: Social Studies, Minor: Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB
(1969 – 1972)
Tom’s Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Educational Psychology laid the foundation for his career in education. This undergraduate program provided him with a solid grounding in pedagogy and psychology, preparing him for his early teaching positions.
Business Management Courses Leading to a Certificate in Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
(1967 – 1969)
Tom’s completion of business management courses leading to a Certificate in Management from Cornell University reflects his diverse educational background. These courses equipped him with essential management skills that would later complement his leadership roles in educational institutions.
Professional Background
Dr. Tom Snell’s professional background reflects his extensive experience, dedication, and leadership in both the educational and corporate sectors. His commitment to excellence and his hands-on approach have been central to his success in shaping educational institutions and programs.
President and CEO, Columbia College
(Since 1986)
Since the inception of Columbia College in 1986, Tom has held the position of President and CEO. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in the college’s growth and development. Under his guidance, Columbia College has become one of the largest private colleges in Alberta, known for producing graduates who consistently achieve top marks in national professional exams. He has overseen all aspects of the college’s operations, including finance, budget administration, marketing, contract negotiation, program and service development, and staffing. His hands-on management style has been crucial in promoting, evaluating, and monitoring customer satisfaction, ensuring that Columbia College remains a premier educational institution.
Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Cypress Hills Community College
(1983 – 1985)
Tom served as the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Hills Community College in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. In this role, he provided leadership in budget development, policy assessment, goal-setting, program and service review, and staff supervision. Additionally, he played a key role in community relations within a vast 22,000 square-mile region and also taught university credit courses, further contributing to the educational landscape.
Program Coordinator, Mount Royal College
(1980 – 1983)
During his tenure at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, Tom held the position of Program Coordinator. In this capacity, he was responsible for program and service development, including recommendations to the Director for enhancing services for special needs adults. He also managed five unique programs, oversaw staff hiring and evaluation, conducted budget development, engaged in fundraising activities, and maintained positive community relations. Furthermore, he played an active role in teaching credit courses for the Faculty of Business, contributing to the college’s academic offerings.
Sessional Instructor
(1980 – 1995)
Tom served as a Sessional Instructor at various institutions, including Athabasca University, the University of Calgary, and Mount Royal College. During this period, he taught a range of courses in Organizational Development and Behavior, sharing his expertise and contributing to the education of future professionals.
Work Experience Consultant and Teacher
(1973 – 1980)
Prior to his roles in higher education, Tom was a Work Experience Consultant and Teacher at the Calgary Board of Education in Calgary, Alberta. In this capacity, he provided valuable guidance and instruction to students, further demonstrating his commitment to education at all levels.
Human Resources Officer/Corporate Management Training
(1965 – 1980)
Earlier in his career, Tom gained valuable experience as a Human Resources Officer and Corporate Management Trainer at Canada Safeway Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta. This experience exposed him to the dynamics of corporate management and the development of valuable leadership skills.
Honours and Recognitions
Explore Tom's outstanding contributions to education and the community that have been widely recognized through numerous accolades and honors
Academic and Professional Background
Academic journey and extensive professional background includes key leadership roles in various educational institutions
Professional Affiliations and Community Service
Dedication to community service is exemplified by his involvement in various organizations and committees
Resources for Success
Our achievements in the workplace are rooted in our ability to effectively utilize our knowledge and skills, as well as our capacity to conduct ourselves professionally to meet the needs of both our internal and external stakeholders while advancing our organization's objectives. We have developed resources that outline key professional behaviors that can enhance our effectiveness. As we continually refine our proficiency in practicing these behaviors, irrespective of our role within the organization, we pave the way for greater success.
Explore the wide array of resources provided by Columbia College to support your pursuit of success, regardless of your current position, aspirations, or career goals.