The Executive Team

DEGREES & CREDENTIALS

• PhD (Nursing); Victoria/2021
• MN (Using Technology to Engage the Millennial Nursing Student); Victoria/2015
• BScN; Alberta/2006
• RN

BACKGROUND

Dr. Vanessa Sheane stands as a distinguished leader in academia and healthcare, embodying the essence of commitment and community stewardship. With roots deeply entrenched in the Peace Region, Dr. Sheane's journey reflects her profound connection to the land and people of Fairview, where she was nurtured, and Grande Prairie, where she proudly calls home.

Currently serving as the esteemed President and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), Dr. Sheane spearheads transformative initiatives aimed at positioning NWP as a beacon of educational excellence and responsiveness to the evolving needs of industry and society. Her unwavering dedication to advancing education and empowering communities is evident in every facet of her leadership.

Dr. Sheane's academic trajectory is characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to effecting positive change. Her attainment of a Ph.D. in nursing from the prestigious University of Victoria in 2021 underscores her deep understanding of institutional systems, organizational structures, and the unique challenges facing postsecondary and nursing education. Through her scholarly contributions, encapsulated in various publications, she illuminates critical insights that inform policy, practice, and pedagogy in these domains.

With over a decade of exemplary service at NWP, Dr. Sheane has demonstrated outstanding leadership, holding pivotal executive and teaching positions. As a Registered Nurse and esteemed member of the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta, she infuses her academic endeavors with practical expertise and a profound passion for nurturing quality post-secondary experiences.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Sheane is a fervent advocate for community engagement and capacity-building. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between education and community well-being, she actively fosters collaborations and partnerships that enrich the social fabric and economic vitality of the Peace Region.

In every aspect of her remarkable career, Dr. Vanessa Sheane exemplifies excellence, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of individuals and communities alike. Her visionary leadership, coupled with her profound empathy and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire and elevate all those fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

SCHOLARLY & PROFESSIONAL INTEREST

• Institutional theory and undergraduate nursing education
• Engaging learners
• Using technology in the classroom
• Curriculum development
• Academic leadership

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

• Issues and challenges facing postsecondary education
• Issues and challenges facing undergraduate nursing education in Alberta
• Academic Leadership in Nursing Education
• Patient Oriented Research (POR)
• Engaging Millennial Learners in Nursing Education

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

• Frisch, N., Atherton, P., Macleaod, M., Doyle-Waters, M., Ward, J., Sheane, V., Woodley, J., & Mallidou, A. (Sept. 2018).  Competencies needed for patient involvement in patient-oriented research: report of a scoping review of the literature.  Oral presentation presented at the Cochrane Colloquium, Edinburgh, UK.
• Sheane, V. (May, 2018).  Exploring institutional theory and nursing education research: a work in progress.  Oral presentation presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Montreal, Quebec.
• Sheane, V. & VanTassell, T. (May 2016).  Reflection IN Action through High Fidelity Simulation.  Poster session presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Toronto, Ontario.
• Sheane, V. (April 2015).  Using Technology to Engage the Millennial Nursing Student. Oral session presented at the Scholarship and Faculty Development Conference, Edmonton, Alberta.
• Sheane, V. (May, 2014).  Rural Connections through Education.  Poster session presented at the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Elliott, S., MacIntyre, D., Rawluk, L., & Sheane, V, (February, 2013). Urban to Rural: The Road Less Travelled. Oral session presented at the Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference, Edmonton, Alberta.

PROFESSIONAL & ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS

• College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta: Member in good standing

• 2013 Doctor of Philosophy (Biology) 
  • University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
• 1997 Master of Natural Resources Management 
  • University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
• 1993 Bachelor of Science (Zoology) 
  • Brandon University, Brandon, MB

Dr. Terry Kowalchuk is an experienced and future-focused academic leader and researcher who understands the value of building on accomplishments and strengths, prioritizing engagement and collaboration, and setting a strategic and inclusive course for success.

Terry has worked within post-secondary institutions for more than 20 years, and in that time, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills in various roles, including Dean, Associate Dean, Chair, and Instructor. With a strong background in environmental sciences and natural resource management, including a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan, Terry has made significant contributions to research in wildlife ecology and habitat conservation. His commitment to education and research is underscored by his extensive publication and presentation record, as well as his demonstrated success in fostering institutional research development and progress.

As Northwestern Polytechnic's Provost and Vice-President Academic, Terry draws on his broader system experience, with organizations like Alberta Advanced Education, and the Campus Alberta Quality Council (among many others), and is a driving force in the advancement of academic excellence, research, and both community and industry partnerships.

• 2003 - 2013 Ph.D. Researcher, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Biology, Saskatoon
• 1998 - 2001 Research Coordinator, Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Saskatoon
• 1997 Research Leader, Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, Manitoba
• 1996 Research Coordinator, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, North Dakota
• 1994 - 1995 Graduate Student Researcher, University of Manitoba, Natural Resources Institute
• 1991 - 1993 Research Technician, Canadian Wildlife Service, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

• Kowalchuk, T.A. 2022. Observations of Mallards-Notes from the Field Presentation – Lethbridge Naturalists Society, February 2022, Lethbridge, Alberta. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. 2015. Northern Pintails in Prairie Landscapes: A Narrative of Breeding Ecology. Presentation – Lethbridge Naturalists Society, February 2015, Lethbridge, Alberta. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. 2014. Breeding Ecology of Northern Pintails in Prairie Landscapes: Tests of Habitat Selection and Reproductive Trade-off Models. Presentation – Nature Calgary, Bird Study Group. April 2014, Calgary, Alberta. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. 2013 Landscape Composition and Demography of Northern Pintails in the Southern Canadian Prairies. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Saskatchewan Press. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. 2013. Breeding Ecology of Northern Pintails in Prairie Landscapes. Presentation – Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Wildlife in the Wind Seminar Series. February 2013, Lethbridge, Alberta. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A and R.G. Clark 2009. Landscape Composition and Demography of Northern Pintails in the Southern Canadian Prairies. Presentation – 5th North American Duck Symposium, August 2009, Toronto, Ontario. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. 2006. Landscape Composition and Demography of Northern Pintails in the Southern Canadian Prairies. Presentation – Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan Partnership and Science Conference, March 2006, Edmonton, Alberta. 
• Yerkes, T., and T. Kowalchuk. 1999 Use of Artificial Nesting Structures by Redheads. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 27(1) pp91. Spring 1999. Bethesda, Maryland. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. R.K. Baydack, F. Rohwer, M. Anderson, and B. Jones. 1996. Comparison of two Nesting Structures for Mallards in Pothole Habitat of Minnesota and Manitoba. Presentation – Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Sept. 1996, Nisku, Alberta. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. 1996. Comparison of two Nesting Structures for Mallards in Pothole Habitat of Minnesota and Manitoba. Master's thesis. University of Manitoba Press. 49pp. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A. R.K. Baydack, F. Rohwer, M. Anderson, and B. Jones. 1995. Comparison of two Nesting Structures for Mallards in Pothole Habitat of Minnesota and Manitoba. Presentation – Second Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. Sept 1995, Portland Oregon. 
• Kowalchuk, T.A., L. Jones, R.K. Baydack, F. Rohwer, M. Anderson, B. Jones, and F. Spiring. 1994. The Delta Henhouse Program: Marketing, Education and Current Research. Symposium Proceedings: Overwater Nesting Structures of Ducks and Geese – Changes and Challenges for the 1990’s. South Dakota State University, Brookings South Dakota.

Thomas Watts is currently the Vice President, Administration. His career with Northwestern Polytechnic began in 2011 as Capital Manager before transitioning into the role of Director, Facilities Maintenance and Operations in 2020, and most recently as Acting Vice President, Corporate Services. Before coming to NWP, he worked as a Senior Financial Analyst and Accounts Payable Manager at Alberta Health Services. Thomas is a strong advocate of financial stewardship and focusing resources to grow and improve program delivery, improving institutional sustainability and enhancing student life.

Thomas holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Thompson Rivers University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Memorial University. His professional work experience fostered a strong background in financial and business analysis, and he is well-suited to lead the Administration portfolio, which includes the departments of Financial Services, Information Technology and Facilities Maintenance and Operations.

Cindy Park is a seasoned finance and management professional dedicated to community development. With a career spanning both for-profit and non-profit sectors, she is an innovative leader committed to uncovering opportunities while ensuring meaningful collaboration, accountability, and transparency in decision-making.

As a Business Division Manager, she oversaw a diverse portfolio of multi business needs, excelling in strategic planning, human resources, finance, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. With a keen interest in environmental sustainability and social responsibility, Cindy has developed environment, social, and governance (ESG) programs, and successfully launched major initiatives and capital campaigns. As the Director of Community Engagement at Seven Generations Energy, and Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, her leadership has consistently driven positive change.

With a holistic perspective that balances economic pragmatism with social responsibility for all stakeholders, Cindy’s comprehensive education and dedication to responsible leadership make her an influential figure in business, finance and philanthropy.