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(Image Credit: Courtesy/Emily Conley)
2026 Honorary Applied Baccalaureate Degree

Dr. Reagan Weeks earns honorary degree from Medicine Hat College

May 26, 2026 | 12:23 PM

Medicine Hat College has named Dr. Reagan Weeks, superintendent of Prairie Rose Public Schools, as the recipient of its 2026 Honorary Applied Baccalaureate Degree, recognizing her leadership in education and long-standing contributions to students and communities.

The college stated that its honorary applied degree recognizes individuals with strong community connections through a structured nomination process reviewed by its awards committee, the General Academic Council and the Board of Governors.

Weeks said she was honoured to receive the degree and was both grateful and surprised when President and CEO of Medicine Hat College Kevin Shufflebotham and Chair of the Board of Governors Sarah MacKenzie informed her of the nomination and award.

“I was really quite overjoyed, but also a bit of awe and thankful for the honour and the recognition,” Weeks said.

After graduating from Medicine Hat College, Weeks has spent more than 20 years working in education across school communities.

Starting her career in the classroom, Weeks went on to complete a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Education, building a career that has moved into senior leadership in southern Alberta’s K-12 system.

Several collaborative initiatives with the college were highlighted following Weeks’ nomination, including the development of expanded dual credit pathways for students across southeastern Alberta.

“The college serves all of southeast Alberta, and we have some students living in more remote areas of the province, and this program provides an opportunity for them to connect with post-secondary institutions directly and explore career pathways and enhance prospects,” Weeks said.

Weeks also pointed to long-standing partnerships with the college, including work to restore regional music programming and create new opportunities in trades education.

“We had to bring back the music program, which was coordinated with the college,” Weeks said.

“That also served a large number of students and exposed them to chamber music that they otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to engage with.”

In her current role with Prairie Rose Public Schools, Weeks has overseen the introduction of career-connected learning opportunities in fields such as the trades, aviation and athletics.

One of the latest examples is the Yuill School of Agriculture project, developed in partnership with Neubauer Farms and the college.

“We’re really excited for the launch of the Yuill School of Agriculture, and it’s coming soon,” Weeks said.

“The construction will begin any day now, and so we’re really excited about the project and the opportunities that [it] will [offer] the region.”

The initiative will allow students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits connected to the agriculture industry while strengthening ties between educators and industry professionals, giving students hands-on experience and clearer pathways.

READ: The Yuill School of Agriculture brings a new era of agriculture learning to Medicine Hat and Cypress County

MacKenzie said Weeks’ nomination reflects her innovative approach to education and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for learner development, adding her work has strengthened K-12 and post-secondary connections and continues to have a lasting impact.

Beyond her work in education leadership, Weeks is also involved in community initiatives, serving as a director with the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society and contributing to the Beej Project.

“There’s so many people in this community who volunteer and who work to make it a great place to live, and I feel fortunate to have called this home for 43 years,” Weeks said.

Weeks said the honour reflects the collaborative nature of education and community work.

“Education is the kind of career that you never really accomplish in any way alone,” Weeks said.

“Parents, students, colleagues, community organizations, industry, all working together, and I think this honour reflects those efforts collectively.”

Weeks said receiving the recognition from the college she once attended carries special significance.

“I did my first two years at Medicine Hat College and took education under the great Dr. Roy Wilson; it has been just truly, truly an honour,” Weeks said.