The Executive Team

DEGREES & CREDENTIALS

• PhD (Nursing); Victoria/2021
• MN (Using Technology to Engage the Millennial Nursing Student); Victoria/2015
• BScN; Alberta/2006
• RN

BACKGROUND

Currently, I am the Acting President and CEO. In my tenure at NWP, I have held various roles, including Provost and Vice President Academic, Dean, Chairperson, and tenured Faculty member with the Department of Nursing Education & Health Studies. As the Acting President and CEO, I provide institutional leadership as well as guidance on our academic programs, applied research, and student services.

SCHOLARLY & PROFESSIONAL INTEREST

• Institutional theory and undergraduate nursing education
• Engaging learners
• Using technology in the classroom
• Curriculum development
• Academic leadership

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

• Issues and challenges facing postsecondary education
• Issues and challenges facing undergraduate nursing education in Alberta
• Academic Leadership in Nursing Education
• Patient Oriented Research (POR)
• Engaging Millennial Learners in Nursing Education

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

• Frisch, N., Atherton, P., Macleaod, M., Doyle-Waters, M., Ward, J., Sheane, V., Woodley, J., & Mallidou, A. (Sept. 2018).  Competencies needed for patient involvement in patient-oriented research: report of a scoping review of the literature.  Oral presentation presented at the Cochrane Colloquium, Edinburgh, UK.
• Sheane, V. (May, 2018).  Exploring institutional theory and nursing education research: a work in progress.  Oral presentation presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Montreal, Quebec.
• Sheane, V. & VanTassell, T. (May 2016).  Reflection IN Action through High Fidelity Simulation.  Poster session presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Toronto, Ontario.
• Sheane, V. (April 2015).  Using Technology to Engage the Millennial Nursing Student. Oral session presented at the Scholarship and Faculty Development Conference, Edmonton, Alberta.
• Sheane, V. (May, 2014).  Rural Connections through Education.  Poster session presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Elliott, S., MacIntyre, D., Rawluk, L., & Sheane, V, (February, 2013). Urban to Rural: The Road Less Travelled. Oral session presented at the Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Edmonton, Alberta.

PROFESSIONAL & ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS

• College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta: Member in good standing

A graduate of the Universities of Regina (M. Ed, B. Ed) and Saskatchewan (B.A), Karl was a teacher, administrator, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools in Saskatchewan and Alberta for 28 years. He also worked in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina for 3 years as he was completing his Masters. His work as the President of the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) and Council of Catholic School Superintendents (CCSSA) provided him with exposure to a wide variety of leadership styles and personalities who collectively assisted Karl in his growth as an educators and leader. In the community Karl is active with different agencies including Covenant Health, GPCSD Education Foundation and other organizations.

“The opportunity to work at the Grande Prairie Regional College is a fantastic opportunity to learn and provide wisdom and insight to others," stated Karl.

Thomas Watts is currently the Acting Vice President, Corporate Services. His career with Northwestern Polytechnic began in 2011 as Capital Manager before transitioning into the role of Director, Facilities Maintenance and Operations in 2020. Before coming to NWP, he worked as a Senior Financial Analyst and Accounts Payable Manager at Alberta Health Services. Thomas is a strong advocate of financial stewardship and focusing resources to grow and improve program delivery, improving institutional sustainability and enhancing student life.

Thomas holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Thompson Rivers University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Memorial University. His professional work experience fostered a strong background in financial and business analysis, and he is well-suited to lead the Corporate Services portfolio, which includes the departments of Financial Services, Information Technology and Facilities Maintenance and Operations.

Dr. McLeod's career with NWP began in 2009 as a faculty member in the Department of Business and Office Administration. She taught various courses within the department, including Organization Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Introduction to Management, Strategic Management, and Business Communications. While with the department, Dr. McLeod obtained her MSc in Organization and Management and her PhD in General Business Management from Capella University, an accredited online institution. Her PhD dissertation focused on the areas of job satisfaction and women in the workplace. In November 2021, Dr McLeod was appointed Dean of the newly established School of Business, where she was a pivotal contributor to the development of NWP's first Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.

Based on the subject matter learned during her MSc and PhD studies, Dr McLeod's academic and professional areas of interest focus on employee motivation and job satisfaction, as well as enhancing women's opportunities and experiences in the workplace.

With her extensive online learning experience, Dr. McLeod is passionate about online course development, innovation, and delivery. As a faculty member, she developed and delivered several online courses and believes that as demand grows, it is essential that we share experiences and expertise regarding the successes and challenges of online course development.

Degrees and Credentials 

• PhD Business Management - 2017-2020
  • Specialization in General Business Management
• Post Masters Certificate in College Teaching - 2008/2009
• Master of Science in Organization and Management - 2005-2007
  • Majoring in Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Management - 2001-2004
  • Majoring in Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations
• Certified Professional in Human Resources, CPHR - June 2014 - Present
  • CPHR Alberta Membership
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I & II Certification - June 2013
  • Psychometrics Canada

Publication

McLeod, C. (2020) Examining the moderating effect of gender on work-life balance when measuring job satisfaction among full-time employees. [Doctoral dissertation, Capella University]. ProQuest Dissertation Publishing. 

Cindy Park is a seasoned finance and management professional dedicated to community development. With a career spanning both for-profit and non-profit sectors, she is an innovative leader committed to uncovering opportunities while ensuring meaningful collaboration, accountability, and transparency in decision-making.

As a Business Division Manager, she oversaw a diverse portfolio of multi business needs, excelling in strategic planning, human resources, finance, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. With a keen interest in environmental sustainability and social responsibility, Cindy has developed environment, social, and governance (ESG) programs, and successfully launched major initiatives and capital campaigns. As the Director of Community Engagement at Seven Generations Energy, and Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, her leadership has consistently driven positive change.

With a holistic perspective that balances economic pragmatism with social responsibility for all stakeholders, Cindy’s comprehensive education and dedication to responsible leadership make her an influential figure in business, finance and philanthropy.