Building on an undergraduate degree in Applied Science from Queen’s University and experience in Ontario’s steel industry as an engineer, Hay went on to complete masters and doctoral degrees at the University of Alberta in Mechanical Engineering. He taught mechanical engineering at the University of Alberta, Northern Institute of Technology and Okanagan University College. He held positions as Department Chair and Dean of Engineering Technology prior to taking on Vice President and Provost roles at Okanagan College. Over an 18-year span, Hay worked as a key executive member of the team that transformed Okanagan College into what it is today – one of the foremost leading colleges with a stellar reputation across Canada. Hay has contributed to leadership development, working with College and Institutes Canada to deliver the Institute for Leadership for Deans and Directors, helping the next generation of leaders get off to a good start. His work with the Campus Alberta Quality Council on external review panels focused on institutional readiness assessments to launch degree programs.