Greetings! Today marks my first official day as a member of the Sheridan learning community and I’m really excited to be here. After some much needed time off – largely spent shuttling my kids around and getting a jump-start on holiday shopping – I’m feeling rested and rejuvenated. I know Sheridan has a bold vision and great aspirations; I’m ready to learn about how I can help. First and foremost, however, I want to introduce myself and underscore some of my personal and professional values.
The most important thing you need to know is that my partner Ken and I have two great kids aged 11 and 8. My family is my foundation and number one priority.
Second to that, I love my work. I believe – wholeheartedly – in the transformative power of post-secondary education. Having borne witness to the impact graduating from a college or university has on individuals and communities, I consider it a privilege to lead in this sector. Over my thirty-year career, I’ve learned from students, faculty and staff at six colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Above all else, their influence has inspired my interest in the scholarship of teaching and learning. I’ve also been the beneficiary of strong mentorship from role models in both the public and private sectors. These points of contact continue to foster my fascination with the art and science of effective leadership.
As we prepare to celebrate successes and navigate challenges together, I want you to know that I’m committed to openness and consultation. I think communication is the key to fostering workplace engagement, making informed decisions, and effectively navigating change. Going forward, you can expect that I’ll stay in touch and solicit input through a variety of means. I’m hoping, for example, to have a blog site and twitter account set up soon. During and beyond my first six months, I will also make a point of arranging opportunities to meet with colleagues informally and formally. I hope you’ll come to describe me as a good and accessible listener.
Early in my career, a mentor shared his view that to be a good educator, you must commit to being a good learner. I’m very conscious that I have a lot to learn about Sheridan and, to that point, I need your help.
During the hiring process and since my appointment was announced, people have lauded the myriad of ways that Sheridan ‘lives’ its values: academic excellence, creativity and innovation and global citizenship. Who wouldn’t want to be associated with an institution that describes itself as being curious, purposeful, smart, gutsy, inspired and real? To fully deliver on my commitment to be your Provost and to effectively champion Sheridan, I need to see the institution through the eyes of the people who know it best.
Today marks the start of an ambitious on-boarding plan that will include meetings and opportunities purposefully designed to help me learn about Sheridan’s culture. If you have ideas about experiences or information sources that could fuel my orientation, however, please be in touch. You can always reach me at janet.morrison@sheridancollege.ca.
I’m excited for day two and will be in touch again soon.
Warmest regards,
Janet Morrison
Provost and Vice President, Academic