Dr. Vanessa Sheane – President and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic

Dr. Vanessa Sheane is the President and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), officially appointed in January 2024 after serving in several academic and leadership roles at the institution. A lifelong resident of Alberta’s Peace Region, she is also an alumna of NWP and a former Wolves basketball player, which makes her leadership journey especially meaningful for the community. Dr. Sheane holds a PhD in Nursing from the University of Victoria, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and is a registered nurse in Alberta. Over the years, she has served as Provost, Vice-President Academic, Dean, Department Chair, and Faculty in Nursing Education & Health Studies at NWP, gaining deep institutional insight. Her scholarly interests include nursing education, institutional theory, active learning, and the use of technology to engage students, with numerous conference presentations across Canada. Beyond academia, she has been recognized for her community impact, including a nomination for the 2024 Friends of Education Award, particularly for initiatives like the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy, which provides vocational training and credits to high school students. With a strong focus on applied learning, industry partnerships, and expanding educational opportunities, Dr. Sheane is regarded as a visionary leader committed to strengthening both NWP and the broader community