Class Notes
If you would like your Class Note in a future issue of Maroon + White, please contact alumni@smu.ca
Class of 1990
Dr. Nancy Matthews (Nancy Lyons BComm’90) has accepted the appointment to the position of Dean of Education at Crandall University. Dr. Matthews has taught as an adjunct instructor for over five years and has served as Associate Professor of Education since August 2022 at Crandall University.
Dr. Matthews will be the first person to serve as Dean of Education at Crandall University, and will oversee all of Crandall’s Education programs, including the Bachelor of Education, the Bachelor of Technical Education, the French Immersion Education Certificate and the Master of Education.
In addition to her Bachelor of Commerce, Dr. Matthews also holds a Bachelor of Education from UNB, a Master of Education from l’Université de Moncton and a Ph.D. in Education from UNB. She has also had over 30 years of experience in the public education system, including roles as District Payroll and Human Resources Supervisor, District Director of Finance and Administration, Classroom Teacher, District Technology Mentor Teacher, School Vice Principal, District Technology and Assessment Supervisor, School Principal and District Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Previously, Dr. Matthews taught at St. Thomas University and the University of New Brunswick, and will continue to teach education courses to graduate students at Crandall University.
In earning her Ph.D. in Education Studies from the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Matthews used grounded theory methodology in her research dissertation; This work has been translated into an upcoming book to be published this summer entitled: The Role of Leaders in Educational Decision-Making Examining Implementation Factors and Providing a Newfound Model. ISBN 9781032472508 146 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations July 21, 2023 by Routledge
Earlier in her career, Dr. Matthews was nominated and recipient of the New Brunswick Vince Sunderland Memorial Award for Outstanding Educational Leadership, Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, and was selected as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.
Hailing from Mann Settlement, Quebec, Dr. Matthews is the youngest of nine children to Norman and Helena Lyons. Dr. Matthews and her husband, Greg BComm’90, live in Riverview, NB and have two children: Jack, with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, living in London, England, and Kate BA’23 graduate of Saint Mary’s and will be attending UNB this fall to study in the Bachelor of Education program.
From left to right: Jack Matthews, Dr. Nancy Matthews BComm’90, Kate Matthews BA’23 and Greg Matthews BComm’90
Class of 2004
Laurie-Ann Willett BComm’04 recently joined Chanel Canada as Head of Legal. Laurie-Ann is a member of the Sobey Scholar Network and received the Frank H. Sobey Award while studying at Saint Mary’s. She is an engaged alumna who has volunteered in the past as a speaker for a Sobey School of Business event. Congratulations to Laurie-Ann.
Class of 2005
Congratulations to Laura Churchill BA’05 for being appointed Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
With 13 years of experience within the organization and nearly two decades in the cultural industries, Ms. Churchill has demonstrated a passion for the film and television industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and a deep understanding of the local creative landscape, having played an integral role in the industry’s growth over the past decade.
As CEO, Ms. Churchill will be instrumental in further developing and implementing policies and initiatives that benefit the film and television industry in the province. She will also foster collaboration with funding agencies, government officials, film agencies, and clients, including producers and filmmakers, ensuring the NLFDC’s continued success and growth. Operating within the provisions of relevant legislation and other guidelines, she will work closely with the Chair and the Board of Directors.
News in 2023
We would like to congratulate our very own Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University since 2015, for being a Top 50 CEO 2023 Award recipient. We would also like to congratulate the following alumni for also receiving the Top 50 CEO Award. Tony Chedrawy DipENG’91, CEO, MetOcean Telematics; Saeed El-Darahali BSc’02 MBA’04, President and CEO, SimplyCast; Sara Napier EMBA’11, President and CEO, United Way Halifax; Greg Poirier MBA’03, CEO, CouldKettle; Vivek Sood MBA’98, Executive Vice President, Sobeys, Stellarton; Greg White BComm’06, Integrated Staffing.
