Vice-President Students and Campus Life

Gerard Hayes

“I look forward to partnering with the entire NAIT community, including students and student leaders, as we work together to further enhance the student experience on NAIT campuses. I am excited about the possibilities ahead of us to create vibrant, inclusive and safe campuses for everyone.” 

About Gerard Hayes 

Gerard Hayes became NAIT’s vice-president students and campus life on May 2, 2022. He brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles at post-secondary institutes across Canada, where he focused on the student campus experience. 

Prior to joining NAIT, Gerard spent 7 years as the director of Student Experience and Business Services at George Brown College in Toronto. There, he focused on enhancing and enriching the student experience outside of the classroom including student services, athletics and recreation, student residence and more. 

Before joining George Brown College, Gerard spent 14 years at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops as the director of Ancillary Services. There, he provided leadership in the development of innovative and progressive programs, processes and services that enhanced the student experience and cultivated an environment to support students in their academic and personal success.  

Gerard also spent 9 years at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, where he directed all activity for the university’s residence and apartment complex, focusing on residential life, mental health and wellness, staffing, maintenance and operations for 14 buildings that housed over 2,000 students.  

As a university student, Gerard was an executive member of the student union, and has always been the point of contact for student leadership throughout his career.  

In his role as vice-president students and campus life, Gerard has a focus on providing students with an exceptional experience outside of the classroom, through services that support their success. His leadership will help us achieve our goals outlined in our strategic plan, The NAIT Effect, including building a diverse and inclusive community and vibrant campuses. 

Gerard has a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master of Arts (leadership and training) from Royal Roads University.

Download Gerard’s full biographyDownload headshot

The Executive Team

President and CEO

Laura Jo Gunter became NAIT’s seventh President and CEO on August 24, 2020. An innovative leader, she brings extensive post-secondary knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit to her role.

Vice-President Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Nazim Merali joined NAIT as Vice-President Administration and Chief Financial Officer on December 19, 2022.

Vice-President External Relations

Melanie Rogers joined NAIT as Vice-President External Relations in August 2021.

Vice-President Academic

Peter Leclaire joined NAIT as Vice-President Academic in March 2022.

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