Current Position and Past Experience
Nathan Cheney is the Executive Director of Professional and Continuing Studies at Brock University, where he leads the institution's continuing education, English as a Subsequent Language, professional development, and custom training portfolio. Working at the intersection of higher education, industry, and community, Nathan focuses on helping universities respond more effectively to workforce needs through innovative, flexible, and accessible lifelong learning opportunities.

A recognized leader in university continuing education, Nathan's work explores how institutions can strengthen their impact by building responsive programming, embracing emerging technologies, fostering industry partnerships, and creating educational pathways that serve learners throughout their careers. He regularly contributes to conversations on the future of continuing education, organizational innovation, workforce development, artificial intelligence, and the evolving role of universities in supporting economic and community prosperity.

Prior to becoming Executive Director, Nathan served as Director of Professional and Continuing Studies at Brock University. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions in continuing education and business development at McMaster University and Queen's University, providing him with broad experience across academic programming, strategic partnerships, and institutional advancement.

Nathan also contributes to the advancement of the continuing education sector through volunteer leadership. He serves as Vice-President of the Ontario Council of University Lifelong Learning and has held leadership roles with the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE), including service on the Conference Planning Committee, Professional Development Committee and on the Executive as the Central Region Representative. In 2025, he led Brock University's hosting of the national CAUCE Conference, bringing together continuing education leaders from across Canada to explore the future of lifelong learning.

Education, Honors, and Achievements
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies and a Bachelor of Education (Junior/Intermediate) from Brock University. He has also completed continuing education in program management, internationalization, and leadership. Nathan has successfully defended his Master of Education thesis at Queen's University and is expected to graduate in Fall 2026. His research examines international teacher professional development and adult learning.

Throughout his career, Nathan has championed learner-centred innovation and cross-sector collaboration, with a particular interest in helping universities become more agile, entrepreneurial, and responsive to changing learner and employer needs. His work emphasizes the strategic value of continuing education as a driver of institutional growth, workforce development, and community impact.

Personal Details and Community Involvement
Outside of his professional role, Nathan is committed to strengthening his local community through volunteer leadership. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Welland-Pelham Chamber of Commerce, the Pelham Soccer Club and Pelham Minor Hockey Association, in addition to coaching youth soccer and hockey. These volunteer roles reflect his belief in the importance of community engagement and leadership, both within higher education and beyond.

Outside of work and volunteering, Nathan prioritizes spending time with his family, playing sports with friends and travelling to new destinations.