Dr. Sean Riley
President
St. Francis Xavier University

  Dr. Sean Riley, president of St. Francis Xavier University, has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning the worlds of business, finance, government, and most recently, academia. He has demonstrated leadership and innovative action in all his varied roles.

In 1996, when he accepted the challenge of becoming president of St. Francis Xavier University, he brought with him considerable experience as a successful entrepreneur. From 1989 to 1996, Dr. Riley was CEO of a medium-sized industrial company in Montréal, with operations across Canada and internationally, Belanger Laminates Inc.

Dr. Riley graduated from St. Francis Xavier in 1974, with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours (First Class). Selected as Rhodes Scholar for Nova Scotia in 1974, he undertook graduate studies at Oxford University, obtaining a Master of Philosophy (International Relations) with specialization in European economic integration and strategic studies. With additional support from a Canada Council Doctoral Fellowship, he completed at Oxford University the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (International Relations) with research in the field of Canadian foreign policy.

His professional career began as an extension of his academic specialization in Canadian foreign policy. From 1977 to 1984, Dr. Riley served as a ministerial advisor on policy and legislative affairs in the Department of External Affairs, the Privy Council Office, and the Department of Finance.

Moving to the private sector in 1985, he joined the National Bank of Canada. As a manager in the Treasury, and later in North American Corporate Banking, he had responsibilities for treasury operations and corporate finance for clients in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Prior to returning to St. Francis Xavier, Dr. Riley served on the board of directors of several business associations as well as volunteer boards including the Montréal Youth Enterprise Center, the Montréal Metropolitan YMCA, and the Canadian Association of Rhodes Scholars.