News Archives: Northwestern Polytechnic Installs New President
Tuesday, January 30th, 2024
NWP's 11th President Dr. Vanessa Sheane and Board Chair Shawna Miller
Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) officially welcomed Dr. Vanessa Sheane as its 11th president during an installation ceremony held this past Monday at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre.
More than 300 attendees including dignitaries, local leaders, faculty and staff, students, and members of the community took in the event which featured heartfelt speeches, presentations, and performances by local musical artists and three-time world champion Indigenous hoop dancer Dallas Arcand.
The Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, was also on hand to welcome Dr. Sheane to the role and recognize her contributions to date on behalf of the Government of Alberta.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Vanessa Sheane on her installation as the 11th president of Northwestern Polytechnic. This is a significant moment for the institution and the community it serves. Dr. Sheane's commitment to the polytechnic mandate, coupled with her deep roots in Fairview and impressive track record as an alumna, positions her as an exceptional leader for NWP.”
NWP Board of Governors Chairperson, Shawna Miller, served as Master of Ceremonies for this transformational event. Miller highlighted the installation as the culmination of President Sheane’s career path, including her formative years in Fairview, and her history as a NWP alumna along with the various roles she has taken at the Polytechnic.
“We feel fortunate to have a leader with such a deep understanding and passion for the region,” said Miller. “Her history within the community, her commitment to collaborative success, and her extraordinary record of organizational and academic leadership, instills within all of us a confidence and excitement for everything that is to come.”
After taking the Oath of Office, Dr. Sheane shared her appreciation, optimism, and future goals for NWP. She spoke about growing up in Fairview, her time as an undergraduate student and a Wolves basketball alumna. Dr. Sheane also outlined some of her goals for her tenure as President. Her immediate priorities are advancing the polytechnic mandate, enrolment growth, and community engagement.
Throughout her career Dr. Sheane has always been a firm believer in the value of community connections. She spoke passionately about the importance of increased engagement with the community and local industry to grow NWP's opportunities in step with the region's growth.
“I am honoured to play a key role in guiding NWP to realize its full polytechnic potential. Through our immersive learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and our nationally recognized applied research capabilities, I believe that NWP is poised to make an indelible mark on the region, the province and beyond.”
For more information about Northwestern Polytechnic and its 11th President and CEO please visit NWP.me/President.
