New Aurora College Board of Governors Chairperson Appointed

May 15, 2025

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has appointed Kenny Ruptash to the Aurora College Board of Governors and named him Chairperson of the Board for a three-year term. A long-time Northerner and respected leader in governance and industry, Mr. Ruptash brings over two decades of private and public sector experience, including roles on the boards of financial institutions, economic development corporations, and publicly traded companies.

This appointment comes at a pivotal time in Aurora College’s ongoing transformation into a polytechnic university. With the 2025–2028 Aurora College Mandate Agreement as its guide, this transformation is laying the foundation for a post-secondary institution that is reflective of Northern priorities, responsive to labour market needs, and built on partnerships with Indigenous governments and communities.

Mr. Ruptash’s leadership will help the Board of Governors strengthen Aurora College’s independent governance model, while ensuring the institution delivers on its core commitments: expanding high-quality academic programming, launching its first degree, advancing research, improving infrastructure, and enhancing access to education and training opportunities across all regions of the Northwest Territories.

Quotes

“Aurora College is a key driver of sustainable economic development in the Northwest Territories, and our government is committed to ensuring it evolves and succeeds. With his deep Northern roots, business expertise, and governance experience, Mr. Ruptash is the right person to lead the Board at this critical time. The GNWT is committed to working with the Board to support the College’s transformation into a global leader in northern education that is shaped by the NWT’s priorities and ready to deliver new opportunities for future generations. ”

— Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

“It’s a privilege to serve as Chair at such a pivotal time in Aurora College’s transformation. The work done by the Board to date has created a strong platform for the polytechnic transition, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and with College staff to deliver on the objectives set out in the Mandate Agreement. Aurora College is well positioned to become a cornerstone of Northern development by aligning its programs with the needs of the North.”

— Kenny Ruptash, Chairperson, Aurora College Board of Governors

Quick Facts

• The Aurora College Mandate Agreement 2025–2028 sets out a clear roadmap for transformation, including:
  • Transitioning to a polytechnic university by 2027
  • Strengthening governance through an arm’s-length, tricameral structure comprising the Board of Governors, Academic Council, and Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council
  • Launching the College’s first fully developed, quality-assured degree program
  • Advancing academic and research excellence
  • Enhancing infrastructure and expanding programming across the territory
  • Reinforcing partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities, and stakeholders
• Mr. Ruptash currently serves as President of the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and has held senior governance roles with Prosper NWT and the Métis Dene Development Fund.
• Aurora College is currently undergoing a rigorous institutional quality assurance process through the Campus Alberta Quality Council, an essential step toward its designation as a polytechnic university.

Related Links

• Aurora College Mandate Agreement 2025-2028
• Aurora College Website

For media inquiries, please contact:
Press Secretary
Government of the Northwest Territories
presssecretary@gov.nt.ca

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