Dale Kirby

Dale was born in St. Lawrence on the Burin Peninsula and was raised on a small farm in Lord's Cove where generations of his family have worked in inshore fishing industries.

After graduating from St. Joseph's Academy in Lamaline in 1989, he went on to complete Bachelor of Science (1998) and Master of Education (2000) degrees at Memorial University of Newfoundland. During his time at Memorial, Dale served in a number of elected student leadership roles. From 1997 to 1999, he was Chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador component of the Canadian Federation of Students.

Dale worked as advisor on education policy in the Ontario Public Service from 2001 to 2006. In 2003, he was awarded a Doctorate in Higher Education Theory and Policy Studies from the University of Toronto. He has been a professor of education at Memorial University of Newfoundland since 2006.

He is nationally-recognized for his work as a researcher and consultant on education policy including policies associated with student access and participation in college and university and online and distance learning. In recognition of his contributions and advocacy, the Canadian Council on Learning named him a Minerva Scholar in 2007. In 2011, he received the R. W. B. Jackson Award from the Canadian Educational Researchers Association.

Dale lives in St. John's with his wife Leigh and their son Kieran.