Sheridan appoints Sean McNabney as Provost and Vice President, Academic

Sheridan is announcing the appointment of Sean McNabney as the College’s next Provost and Vice President, Academic.

McNabney brings deep institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation and student success to the role. He has been serving as Interim Provost and Vice President, Academic since March 2026, expanding on more than 12 years of progressive academic leadership positions at Sheridan.

McNabney previously served as Vice Provost, Academic Excellence and Transformative Learning, supporting academic quality and transformative learning initiatives across the institution. He also held the role of Interim Dean of the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design from 2020 to 2021. Earlier in his career at Sheridan, McNabney held the roles of Associate Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. In each of his roles, he provided strategic leadership in support of faculty excellence, program development and student achievement. In 2016, his leadership and support were instrumental in the creation of the Community Ideas Factory applied research initiative — a community-college-private-sector partnership to foster social innovation and social good.

“I am delighted to be welcoming Sean into this critical role,” says Dr. Cindy Gouveia, President and Vice Chancellor. “His leadership will ensure we continue to offer strong academic programming that opens doors for students to pursue higher education, and prepares them with the knowledge, creativity and innovation needed to thrive throughout their lives.”

McNabney earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English Literature from the University of Western Ontario. His extensive experience reflects a sustained dedication to Sheridan’s academic mission and institutional priorities.

He has made many contributions to the advancement of high-quality programs and a strong academic community, including leading the development of Sheridan’s first master’s program — the Master of Animation, Games, and Immersive Experiences — as well as the launch of Sheridan’s Board Undergraduate Certificate in Creativity and Creative Problem Solving. He has also overseen the development and implementation of 29 new credentials at Sheridan since Fall 2024.

“I am privileged to be a part of the Sheridan community, which is so focused on creating opportunities for students that change lives,” McNabney says. “From the classrooms to work integrated learning opportunities and research, our Faculties work tirelessly to provide hands-on learning opportunities in supportive environments.”

McNabney is also an active leader in advancing the College’s commitments to equity and access, as well as creativity and innovation. As Provost and Vice President, Academic, he will also have oversight of several divisions that support student life including the Office of the Registrar, Student Experience/Student Services, Indigenous Engagement and Education, and Generator at Sheridan.