Dr. Janet Welch

Dr. Janet Welch is Vice President, Academic, at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where she leads academic strategy, program innovation, and partnerships that connect learners with the evolving needs of industry. With nearly three decades of leadership across Canadian and international higher education, Janet brings expertise in applied research, digital transformation, teaching excellence, and lifelong learning.

Her career bridges both the university and polytechnic sectors, having held senior leadership roles at the University of Alberta and Red Deer Polytechnic. Prior to joining SAIT, she served as Vice President, Academic, and Provost at Yukon University in Whitehorse, where she advanced student success and institutional transformation. Earlier in her career, she championed women’s education at Dubai Women’s College and continues to advocate for expanding access to education in disadvantaged, marginalized, and remote communities worldwide.

Janet holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Canada, a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the United Kingdom, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Technology from the United States. Her career reflects a deep commitment to building inclusive, future-focused education systems that align with workforce demands, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and prepare learners to thrive in a global knowledge economy.