Dr. Bruce Rutley is a Professional Agrologist with 35 years experience in applied research, innovation and post secondary education administration.  He obtained his PhD in Renewable Resources from the University of Alberta studying the bioenergetics of plains bison (Bison bison).  This completed his exploration of animal production systems building on previous degrees in the genetics and reproduction (MSc – Animal Genetics) and animal nutrition (BSc. Agr.) of dairy cattle.

Rutley is currently Director, Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI) at GPRC.  The CRI is a Grande Prairie Regional College – Peace Region Economic Development Alliance (PREDA) partnership created through a merger of the College’s Integrated Research Unit and PREDA’s The Innovation Network.  The purpose of the CRI is to develop the applied research capacity of GPRC and to provide ‘one-stop-shop’ services to the region’s innovators and entrepreneurs.  Previously he developed The Innovation Network for PREDA providing business innovation services to regional inventors.

Rutley is the (co)author of 4 peer reviewed publications (bison production systems); 12 conference proceedings; over 40 unpublished studies and reports; 30 funding applications; and has presented extensively in Canada related to the production of plains bison and rural innovation.  In addition, he has served as program coordinator (Olds College, Northern Lights College) and Dean (Fairview College) within the College system.