It’s no secret that Dr. Rob Shea loved the work of Dr. Seuss. And like all true Seussians, he knew that when it comes to learning, the joy is in the journey.

Dr. Shea was a passionate educator and a lifelong learner. He completed his bachelor of arts, bachelor of social work and master of education degrees at Memorial and earned his doctorate from the University of Calgary.

As an associate professor in the Faculty of Education, his research focused on experiential learning, adult education and university and college leadership. He sought ways to engage with students and to see them thrive as individuals in the classroom and in their professions.

During his 30-year career with Memorial University, Dr. Shea continuously pursued new challenges. He served as acting deputy provost, associate vice-president (academic) pro tempore, and dean pro tempore of the Department of Student Affairs and Services.

His endless energy led him to serve as the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and as the president of the International Association of Student Affairs and Services.

In 2012, he made the move to the Marine Institute as its associate vice-president (academic and student affairs).

And in 2019, he co-led the initiative that began the historic partnership between Memorial University and Nunavut Arctic College.

 

Dr. Rob Shea signs an MOU between the Marine Institute and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology as Profs. Sverre Steen and Asgeir Sørensen watch from Norway. Photo from the Gazette.

 

Shea was named vice-president of the Marine Institute in 2022.

Over the course of his career, whether as a leader or as someone willing to simply offer a helping hand, Dr. Shea was a positive force in every area of university life and in the wider community.

For his work in career education, he received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada. He was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for helping to establish the provincial chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation of Canada.

He won Memorial’s Faculty Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007. And in 2013, the Memorial University Students’ Union presented him with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life.

Dr. Shea died in 2024. He was 60 years old.

There is a reason Dr. Shea could quote Dr. Seuss verbatim: while his research achieved the highest levels of academic excellence, he never forgot the sheer excitement and fun of learning.

He’s remembered for his eternal enthusiasm and for encouraging students of all ages and all backgrounds to keep learning. After all — to merge Dr. Shea’s philosophy with the words of Dr. Seuss – if you grow what you know, “oh, the places you’ll go.”