NORTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NAIT welcomes two new deans

NAIT is pleased to welcome Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe and Stephen McMillan as the newest deans to join the polytechnic and lead the strategic direction of the newly formed Schools of Energy and Natural Resources, Manufacturing and Automation, and Transportation. The schools were developed as part of NAIT's renewed academic structure, which better aligns industry sectors and student pathways. 

Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe, Ph.D. - dean, School of Energy and Natural Resources 

Dr. Ojimelukwe is a distinguished educational leader with more than 11 years of experience in post-secondary education, encompassing teaching, research, and leadership.  

As the Interim Director of Applied Research at NAIT, she has overseen programs in cleaner energy, environmental sustainability, and grid innovation, enhancing operational performance for industries in Alberta. She also served as Program Manager for Energy & Environment at NAIT's Corporate and Continuing Education and led advanced analytics projects within NAIT's Student Progression as a Research Specialist, providing insights for forecasting and strategic enrollment management.  

Before joining NAIT, Dr. Ojimelukwe was as a Lecturer and Research Associate at the University of Port-Harcourt, leading applied research projects on environmental monitoring while supporting student learning and development through teaching and mentorship. 

Dr. Ojimelukwe assumed her new role at NAIT on June 24, 2024. 

Stephen McMillan, MEng, PEng, RSE - dean, NAIT's School of Manufacturing and Automation and School of Transportation 

McMillan joins NAIT from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where he enjoyed a distinguished 15-year career. His most recent role was Associate Dean of Mechanical Engineering, where he led the Mechanical Engineering department in the School of Energy.  

Over the past decade, McMillan has made significant contributions as an instructor and program head, earning recognition for his excellence in teaching. He recently achieved the Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) designation, reflecting his dedication to lifelong learning and professional development. 

McMillan joined NAIT on August 19, 2024. 

Learn more about NAIT's renewed 7-school structure. 

QUOTES 

"I am truly honoured to lead NAIT's inaugural School of Energy and Natural Resources. Our current alignment with the energy and environmental sectors demonstrates our readiness to enhance our place in the provincial, national, and global educational scene and strengthen our position as the industry's most trusted partner. I am thrilled about all the things I see us accomplishing together. As a school, we will unite in new ways with a greater sense of shared vision to build, grow, and support our students and industries in revolutionary ways, delivering on our promise to provide students with meaningful careers and industry with the exceptional talent and innovation they need to thrive." - Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe, dean of NAIT's School of Energy and Natural Resources 

"I am honoured to be joining NAIT during this time of change and growth. As the Dean of the School of Manufacturing & Automation and the School of Transportation, I am committed to supporting our faculty in delivering world-class educational experiences, where cutting-edge technology meets hands-on learning. These two schools are about making things better, and making things move, which are both critical fields with high demand in industry and significant growth potential. I look forward to the exciting times ahead." - Stephen McMillan, MEng, PEng, RSE - dean, NAIT's School of Manufacturing and Automation and School of Transportation 

"On behalf of NAIT, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe and Stephen McMillan to our school leadership team. I look forward to seeing where they take the three newly developed schools. Our new structure is strategically designed to strengthen alignment with key industry sectors across Alberta. We're already receiving positive feedback from external partners. This seven-school model and program alignment is also designed to make more sense to our students. It showcases the breadth and interconnectedness of opportunities within an industry sector, and we feel that Agatha and Stephen are going to be excellent stewards for these critical parts of our institution" - Peter Leclaire, NAIT VP Academic