A conversation with Dr. Michael Khan, Saint Mary’s University's 35th President
Dr. Michael Khan began his term as Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor in July 2025
When Dr. Michael Khan first stepped onto Saint Mary’s University's Halifax campus, it wasn’t the striking buildings or innovative facilities that caught his attention. It was the students.
Chatting casually about their co-op placements or high-fiving those who had just successfully defended their theses, Khan felt the university's pulse in these interactions. They reaffirmed his belief in the transformative power of higher education—one conversation, one student at a time.
“Halifax blends natural beauty and urban life in ways few cities can,” says Khan. “It's rare and special, and Saint Mary’s sits right at the heart of it.”
Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Khan’s path to Saint Mary’s spans continents and experiences. He vividly recalls studying in Montreal’s freezing winters after leaving the Caribbean heat behind, an early introduction to resilience.
“Imagine going from 30 degrees to minus 15 in about six hours,” Khan reflects. But through moves to Montreal, Wales, Ontario, and now Nova Scotia, he's learned something fundamental: “Home is wherever you build it.”
“It felt odd leaving Wales,” Khan recalls thoughtfully. “We were returning to Canada, a place we considered home, but simultaneously leaving behind a community we deeply valued. Even after only a short time here, Halifax genuinely feels like home.”
Dr. Khan brings to Saint Mary’s extensive academic credentials and leadership experience. He holds a PhD in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia and has served in senior academic roles at institutions such as the University of Windsor, Bangor University in Wales, and most recently, Trent University in Ontario.
Athletics, resilience and interdisciplinary learning
Khan’s personal philosophy and leadership style draw heavily on his extensive background in athletics and human kinesiology. Initially passionate about cricket and soccer, he discovered squash in his late teens, quickly excelling to represent Trinidad and Tobago internationally and becoming a Canadian university champion.
“Athletics shaped my resilience profoundly. Most of my greatest successes came after significant failures. That's what sport teaches you: resilience, perseverance, and how to relentlessly pursue your aspirations, despite setbacks.”
Today, he sees athletics as essential not just for competitive excellence, but for overall well-being. “Physical activity doesn’t just support physical health,” he says. “It strengthens mental health, reduces stress, and builds community. I see this balance as critical, not just for athletes, but for everyone on our campus.”
Khan champions interdisciplinary education. Reflecting on his own journey from initially studying geophysics to discovering his true passion in kinesiology, he emphasizes the importance of students exploring broadly rather than narrowly.
““Career paths today are not linear. Successful people have diverse experiences. Our role at Saint Mary’s is to encourage students to dream big, explore widely, and embrace failures as necessary steps toward discovering their passions.” ”
Interdisciplinary learning, he says, isn’t academic idealism. It’s practical preparation for the future. “Today’s most pressing challenges, whether healthcare, climate change, AI advancements or social justice, can’t be solved in silos. Employers recognize this and actively seek graduates who can think differently.”
Research: the foundation of everything we do
“What we teach in classrooms and how we engage with our communities must be anchored in rigorous, impactful research,” Khan stresses. “Students at all levels need opportunities to engage directly in research because that’s what sparks discovery and deep learning. It shapes critical thinkers who lead well beyond their campus years.”
Investing in research, Khan adds, means directly investing in students’ futures.
““Research is fundamental. It informs everything we do, from teaching to community engagement. Strengthening these connections creates practical, community-connected, and impactful learning opportunities.” ”
Khan’s immediate impression of Saint Mary’s was its vibrant sense of community engagement, a dynamic amplified by its unique location in Halifax’s south end.
“When I first visited, the energy here stood out immediately,” he recalls. “Many institutions struggle post-COVID, but at Saint Mary’s, I see an active, vibrant campus—like a living classroom. It’s exactly what a university should be.”
He believes Halifax offers students unparalleled educational opportunities due to its unique blend of natural beauty, urban amenities and community involvement.
“Saint Mary’s leverages this exceptional location brilliantly, providing remarkable experiential and community-based learning opportunities right at our doorstep.”
Collaborative leadership for a sustainable future
As Khan begins his presidency, his top priority is clear: listening deeply. Reflecting on his extensive global experiences from Trinidad and Tobago to multiple Canadian provinces and the UK, Khan underscores his leadership approach.
““Leadership is about creating opportunities. My role isn’t to provide all the answers but rather to listen, harness ideas, and make bold decisions for meaningful growth. Saint Mary’s already has incredible strengths. I want to support our academic mission and enrich the student experience even further.” ”
“My diverse background allows me to anticipate challenges and see opportunities differently,” he explains. “Diversity in experience brings perspective, clarity and insight. It enables me to navigate complexity and approach challenges thoughtfully.”
Looking ahead, Khan points to Saint Mary’s recently released strategic plan as a roadmap, highlighting sustainability as a crucial priority. He notes the significance of campus initiatives, such as the solar energy installation on Loyola Tower, as clear demonstrations of SMU’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative community partnerships.
“An ideal university is a place where professors and students interact meaningfully, where active learning thrives, and where the entire community feels connected. My goal is to foster an environment where discovery is constant, ideas flow freely, and students, faculty, and staff can authentically thrive. That’s what will define our success.”
Watch: Greetings from Dr. Michael Khan