Champion of High Quality, Undergraduate Education Appointed as Sheridan’s Eighth President and Vice Chancellor

Earlier today, Sheridan’s Board of Governors enthusiastically accepted the unanimous recommendation by Sheridan’s Presidential Search Committee to appoint Dr. Janet Morrison as Sheridan’s Eighth President and Vice Chancellor. Dr. Morrison will begin her five-year term on August 7, 2018, replacing outgoing President Dr. Mary Preece who is set to retire.

Dr. Morrison joined Sheridan in November, 2016 as Provost and Vice President Academic.  Since that time, she has led the institution through a highly collegial and consultative process to develop Sheridan’s Academic Plan.  She has also introduced renewed rigor to recruitment, retention and efforts to enhance the student experience.  Further work to align institutional initiatives to Sheridan’s vision, key differentiators and priority areas of focus are creating a strategic planning culture within the organization to support data-driven decision making and optimize resource allocation.

“Janet is an outstanding choice for President,” notes Steve Boone, Chair of Sheridan’s Board of Governors and the Presidential Search Committee.  “She’s an accomplished educator and executive administrator who has continually earned the trust of those around her.  Her deep understanding of the sector and passion for student success make her ideally suited to lead Sheridan and shape its future.”

“I believe in the transformative power of post-secondary education and have always considered it a privilege to lead in this sector,” said Dr. Morrison.  “I’m particularly proud to lead at Sheridan, a learning community renowned for its character, unwavering commitment to academic quality, and accountability to stakeholders.  What distinguishes this institution is its people:  students, faculty and staff.  I want to thank every member of the Sheridan community and the Board for their confidence in my leadership.  I am tremendously honoured and excited to assume the role of President and Vice Chancellor on August 7, 2018.”

Over 50 applications for the position were received from highly qualified candidates across Canada, with broad diversity in academic disciplines, prior post-secondary experience, gender, ethnicity and previous leadership positions.  Of them, 24 were interviewed by an Executive Search firm to distill a list of 12 recommended candidates, of whom 8 were invited forward to the formal interview process.

Prior to joining Sheridan, Dr. Morrison spent 17 years at York University working in various roles focused on learning, discovery and engagement, culminating in her position as Vice-Provost, Students.  Before joining York, she held leadership positions in student affairs at the University of Guelph, Bowling Green State University, Medical College of Ohio and George Brown College. Dr. Morrison holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and education.  She has taught at several institutions as both a teaching assistant and a member of the part-time faculty. She is the former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and has previously chaired the Board of Directors for the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.

“The Board of Governors would also like to take this opportunity to express its enormous gratitude to Dr. Mary Preece for her outstanding leadership of Sheridan as President since November, 2016 and for her role as Provost and Vice President Academic from 2008-2016,” said Boone. “The strides she has made at Sheridan in the crucial realms of its Academic Innovation Strategy, governance, Intellectual Property regime and Polytechnic vision have placed Sheridan on strong footing in a climate of shifting challenges and opportunities.  Her wise counsel, integrity, and ability to motivate others to follow her vision make her a very hard act to follow.” 

The Board of Governors also extends its thanks to all Sheridan employees who contributed to the development of the Presidential position profile by sharing their input on the qualities they would like to see in their next leader and their opinions about the core responsibilities associated with the role.  Similarly, the Board extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the Presidential Search Committee which included representation from the Board, faculty, staff, Senate and student body.