Alumni Establishes Mentor Program for Women in Turf

After experiencing workplace harassment, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology alumni Morgan Creighton, decided to make it her passion to help mentor and guide young women navigating a career in the turfgrass industry. 

Morgan’s journey began 14 years ago when she was working full-time at the Edmonton Country Club while taking night classes for the Bachelor of Education program at Grant MacEwan University. Upon realizing a career teaching indoors was not for her, she left the program after one semester to pursue a career in turfgrass management. That fall, she was enrolled in the Turfgrass Management Diploma program at Olds College and graduated 2011. She later returned to the College to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management program in 2016. 

“The Turfgrass Management program at Olds College helped me in many ways,” commented Creighton. “The first being a great education. I was given the necessary skills to succeed at any job I applied to. The second was networking. The group of people that I went through college with have been my support system since day one. They are still people that I turn to. The third way was having a safe and inclusive learning environment. Being there gave me the confidence to succeed in this industry.”

Having worked her way up from maintenance worker to assistant superintendent, Creighton has had the opportunity to work at a variety of golf courses ranging from nine to 45 holes, as well as public, semi-private and private clubs. Within two years working in the turf industry, Creighton found herself struggling with workplace harassment. 

“I worked at a place that was suffocating and I was harassed daily. I was made to feel like less of a human because I was female,” comments Creighton. “Continually being told that you are not good enough was detrimental to my mental health and I fell into a deep depression. “ 

After leaving that position, Creighton was presented with a rare opportunity to attend the Bayer’s Women in Golf event in North Carolina, where she was one of 50 women in North America to attend. “The event saw women from all walks of life come in as strangers and leave as a strong support network,” commented Creighton.

Upon returning home full of inspiration from the experience, Creighton founded Women in Turfgrass Management (WITM), a mentor program that bridges the gap between students enrolled in turfgrass-focused post-secondary programs and mentors who have built successful careers within the predominantly male industry. Through individual group meetings that take place monthly over Zoom, topics are discussed that are suggested by students with a goal to help young women develop their network within the industry. Additionally, WITM has also hosted multiple events — including dinners, a conference and Canadian Golf Day — to further bolster relationships between the groups. 

Furthering her commitment, Creighton has also dedicated some of her time visiting high schools, post-secondary institutions and turf conferences across North America, promoting education surrounding inclusion and unconscious bias. “I believe that being vulnerable and starting the conversation can only help this industry as it moves forward,” comments Creighton.

Currently, Creighton is the assistant superintendent at Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie, Alta., a 18-hole course “situated on 114 acres of land that has the 9’s divided by Woodside Drive.”

Through hard work, dedication and sheer determination, Creighton has achieved tremendous success – becoming an inspiring example for young women who wish to pursue a career in the turfgrass industry.

“Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do what you want because of who you are. Put in the work, get the education, go to conferences and networking events,” comments Creighton. “This industry is amazing. It can be hard at times, but there are always people who want to support you and see you succeed.  Reach out when you need help; don't try to carry it all on your shoulders. Last, but not least, have fun!”

When asked what she enjoyed the most about her time at the College, Creighton responded, “Without a doubt the connections I made. I still am in contact with the instructors, the classmates, and the new students coming through. It’s allowed me an avenue to meet many like-minded people.”

For those interested in pursuing a career in turfgrass management, check out our turfgrass programs at oldscollege.ca/programs and oldscollege.ca/coned