Dr. Scott MacPherson

President and CEO

A headshot of Dr. Scott MacPherson Dr. Scott MacPherson brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across post‑secondary education, private industry, and community partnership development to Keyano College.

Before joining Keyano, Scott served as Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), where he led transformative academic initiatives, launched industry‑aligned programs, and built strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, industry leaders, and cultural organizations. His work included co‑developing land‑based Indigenous training initiatives, advancing entrepreneurship micro‑credentials, and securing multimillion‑dollar philanthropic support.

Prior to NSCC, he was Dean of the School of Construction at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). In that role, he guided a large and diverse academic division, expanded programs aligned with labour market needs, helped raise millions through industry partnerships, and collaborated with Indigenous communities to deliver trades training that supported both learners and community infrastructure. During this time, he also served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) as one of two educational representatives, providing national leadership on apprenticeship policy and representing the interests of apprentice educators across Canada.

Before transitioning into post‑secondary leadership, Scott held senior roles in the private sector, including serving as Director of Strategy & Operations at ASCO Canada, where he developed national strategies, oversaw Alberta operations, and forged Indigenous partnerships across multiple regions.

Scott holds a Doctor of Education in Distance Education with a focus in transformational leadership, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Commerce, supported by extensive professional development at institutions including Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. His leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and the belief that education transforms lives and builds resilient communities.

Scott is honoured to return to Fort McMurray and lead Keyano College into its next chapter of growth, partnership, and innovation.

A Reflection on My First Six Months at Keyano College

When I think back on my first six months at Keyano, what stands out most are the opportunities I've had to listen and connect with staff, faculty, students, and our community. Those conversations have given me a real sense of the pride people have in their work and the difference they're making every day. More than anything, I've appreciated how welcoming everyone has been. It's helped me feel part of the College and community from day one.

Over the past six months, I have been encouraged by the openness and engagement. The insights, questions, and perspectives shared by staff, faculty, students, and partners have helped shape important decisions and strengthened our path forward. It is a reminder that our greatest strength lies in our ability to listen, learn, and move forward together.

There have also been moments that tested and strengthened us as a community. Early in my time here, the College faced significant financial challenges. What stood out to me was the way our people came together with openness, professionalism, and a shared commitment to the institution's future. That experience reinforced my confidence in our people, our culture, and our ability to navigate challenges while staying focused on our mission.

As I've met with staff, students, community leaders, industry partners, and representatives from First Nations and Métis communities, two themes have come up consistently: the importance of stability and reconnecting with our community. With our executive leadership team now in place, we're building that stability while strengthening relationships across the region. Everywhere I go, I hear the same message: people want to see Keyano succeed.

What has energized me most is the sense of possibility. There's a strong foundation here, a practical, hardworking culture, and people who genuinely care about student success and the future of this College. That gives me confidence that we're moving in the right direction.

I’ve learned over these first six months that Keyano has everything it needs to be successful; dedicated people, strong community support, and a shared belief in the role this College plays across our region. We’ve made meaningful progress, and while there’s still work ahead, I’m confident we’re building the kind of momentum that will carry Keyano forward for years to come.

As I look ahead, my approach won't change. I'll continue listening first, being present, and building relationships across the College and throughout our community. Trust is built through consistency, and I'm committed to showing up, following through, and working together to move Keyano forward.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me, shared your perspectives, and helped shape these first six months. Together, we are building a strong, stable future for Keyano, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead.