Dr. Dennis Johnson brings 30 years of academic experience to the role of provost and vice-president, Academic
March 13, 2019 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic is pleased to announce that Dr. Dennis Johnson has been appointed provost and vice-president, Academic. Since September 2018 Johnson has been the interim provost and vice-president, Academic, in addition to his role as vice-president, Strategy and Business Development. For the past decade Dr. Johnson has been dedicated to student success at Sask Polytech and has established his expertise in polytechnic education.
“Dr. Johnson has an exciting vision for the future of education and learning at Sask Polytech. As interim provost and vice-president, Academic he has continued to build relationships with stakeholders and has advanced work on internationalization and Indigenization at Sask Polytech,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “As provost and vice president, Academic, Dr. Johnson will oversee our faculty, student services and applied research.”
“Currently 92% of graduates in the labour force find employment within one year. I am excited to lead our academic team, student services and applied research to continue to support students, business and industry in achieving their education and career goals with Sask Polytech,” says Johnson. “We must continue to deliver education in new ways, be innovative and work to ensure the education we provide meets the needs of students and employers alike.”
Johnson’s experience teaching, supporting faculty and serving students will guide him in his leadership role of Sask Polytech’s academic portfolio. Johnson’s career progressed with Sask Polytech (then SIAST) in 2008 as dean of Industrial Training, taking on increasingly senior roles including interim associate vice-president, Academic and Research and interim associate vice-president, Student Services. Most recently Johnson held the role of vice-president, Strategy and Business Development. Since completing a Red Seal trade qualification in Carpentry, he also completed a bachelor of education from Brock University, a master of education from Memorial University and a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Saskatchewan.
Johnson began his academic career at Mohawk College as an instructor. He also instructed at Okanagan University College and Thompson Rivers University, and took on leadership roles at Thompson Rivers before moving to Saskatchewan.
Johnson invites business and industry leaders to contact him directly if they have any questions or ideas regarding programming and advancing Sask Polytech on a provincial and national stage.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.