New President Takes the Helm at Sheridan

Dr. Janet Morrison officially launched her term today as Sheridan’s eighth President and Vice Chancellor, and immediately set out her top priority to the Sheridan community – to work collaboratively and creatively to define the college’s future direction.

“We’re living in an era of profound technological, economic and social disruption.  Rather than get stressed by the unknown, we need to help our students hone the mindset, confidence and skills to embrace uncertainty,” Morrison says.  “Succeeding in this imperative requires us to affirm and espouse our character and identity, influence and effect system-level transformation, and continue to challenge and inspire our most important asset – our people.”

To this end, the new President has assigned a strategy team to oversee a community-wide engagement process with the aim of finalizing a new strategic plan for the institution in the spring of 2019. 

The process will draw on the creativity and innovation that have historically defined Sheridan’s culture.  “Sheridan has long been synonymous with trailblazing undergraduate education,” says Morrison.  “The question facing us now is how will we leverage the opportunities that are inherent in the challenges facing society, and what is Sheridan uniquely poised to deliver in order to effect positive change?”

Dr. Morrison previously served as Sheridan’s Provost and Vice President Academic, a role she assumed in 2016, and in which she led the development of a new Academic Plan, which sets out the blueprint for teaching and learning at Sheridan over the next four years.  Prior to joining Sheridan, Janet spent 17 years at York University in various roles focused on learning, discovery and engagement, most recently serving as Vice Provost, Students.  Before joining York, she held leadership positions in student affairs and taught at the University of Guelph, Bowling Green State University, Medical College of Ohio and George Brown College.

In announcing Janet’s appointment, Steve Boone, Chair of Sheridan’s Board of Governors and the Presidential Search Committee, noted that “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.”

“Sheridan’s values resonate deeply with me,” says Morrison.  “I’m tremendously honoured to lead Sheridan at this pivotal juncture.  We have the opportunity and responsibility to nurture our students to be curious about new possibilities while giving them the foundational skills and competencies they’ll need to thrive in an era where the only constant is change.”

Dr. Morrison will be formally installed as Sheridan’s President and Vice Chancellor at a ceremony prior to our Fall Convocation in October.