Wayne Shillington - CEO Norquest College

"Norquest College and Vibrant Communities Edmonton are working together to assist financially disadvantaged individuals to build pathways to family economic success. As the post-secondary institution mandated to ensure disadvantaged groups have access to our post-secondary education system, Norquest College is collaborating with Vibrant Communities Edmonton to enhance their educational and economic opportunities. By working together we can increase the community's capacity and build a more sustainable future for everyone"

Dr. Shillington has been active in Alberta's post-secondary system for over thirty years and is currently the President & CEO of Norquest College.

Wayne began his career as a classroom teacher in Saskatchewan. In 1975 he joined Lakeland College in northeastern Alberta, where he worked extensively with outreach program delivery and pioneered the use of distance education technology and alternate learning models to increase access to post-secondary education for learners in rural Alberta.

Wayne completed his Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and later his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Gonzaga University. Dr. Shillington's research focused on the use and effectiveness of distance education models and on best practices in college program evaluation.

Dr. Shillington left his Vice-president Academic role at Lakeland College in 1995 to join Alberta Advanced Education & Career Development. During the three years he spent with the Alberta government, Wayne had a leadership role in major post-secondary system initiatives, including: the Access Fund, Applied Degrees, Key Performance Indicators, and Performance Envelope funding of colleges and universities.

In 1998, Dr. Shillington became President of Alberta Vocational College (now Norquest College). His leadership and vision at Norquest have led to significant expansion of programs and partnerships with the community, business, and other post-secondary institutions. Under Wayne's direction, Norquest College has become a recognized innovator and leader in Alberta's post-secondary system as well as a key organization in the economic and social development of the region.

In addition, Wayne actively contributes to his community, he is: Past-President of the Edmonton Riverview Rotary Club, Downtown Development Corporation Board member, Co-chair of the Economic Development Edmonton SkillsInvest program, Co-chair of the Edmonton Vibrant Communities partnership project, and an active supporter of community development and the performing arts.