Deanna is a seasoned postsecondary leader with over 25 years of experience in both Canada and the United States. Her own transformative undergraduate experience sparked a lifelong belief in the power of education to change lives. That conviction has guided her career, driving her commitment to expanding access, removing barriers, and creating conditions where all students can thrive. She brings a student-first approach to aligning people, processes, and technology in support of learner success and well-being.
Most recently, Deanna served as Vice Provost, Student Experience and Enrolment Management at Sheridan College, where she led the Division of Students. In this role, she oversaw Student Affairs and the Office of the Registrar, managing a team of over 300 professionals and 200 student leaders across multiple campuses. Prior to that, she served as Registrar and Associate Vice President, Enrolment Management at Sheridan. Her accomplishments include modernizing service delivery, enhancing access to student supports through reimagined structures and communication strategies, launching digital platforms, and sponsoring major system upgrades.
Before joining Sheridan, Deanna held a variety of progressive roles at the University of Guelph, including serving as Interim Registrar, where she deepened her expertise in academic policy, student success, and operational transformation. She also held several leadership roles during her time at Monmouth University in New Jersey.
Deanna’s leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, curiosity, and care. She believes that leadership is relational, built on trust, co-creation, and a shared commitment to helping people do their best work. Certified in emotional intelligence assessment, she brings a values-based, emotionally intelligent approach to every aspect of her work, from team culture and policy development to student experience and strategic planning.
Deanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Moravian University and a Master of Science in Education from Monmouth University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Leadership through Louisiana State University – Shreveport, further strengthening her commitment to transformational leadership in higher education.
