Nursing graduate, foundation chair and governance leader brings decades of service to historic role.
Janis Sobey-Hames
Saint Mary’s University’s Board of Governors is proud to announce the appointment of Janis Sobey-Hames as the university’s next Chancellor, the first woman to hold the role in Saint Mary’s nearly 225-year history.
A graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Sobey-Hames began her career in health care before building a distinguished record as a philanthropic and governance leader. She currently serves as Chair of the David & Faye Sobey Foundation and as a Trustee of both The Sobey Foundation and The Sobey Art Foundation. Across these roles, she has helped advance initiatives in health care, higher education, the arts, conservation and community development throughout Atlantic Canada.
“For me, a university is about its students; they are what bring a campus to life.”
Her governance experience spans hospital foundations, university boards and national cultural organizations. She served as a Director of the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation, a member of Mount Saint Vincent University’s Board of Governors and as National Director of the Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust. She and her husband, Christopher Hames, also co-chaired the Pictou County United Way’s Leaders of The Way campaign.
“Janis brings a distinguished record of leadership across health care, education and community development,” says Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “Throughout her career, she has brought people together and strengthened communities. Her deep connection to Saint Mary’s and genuine commitment to students make her exceptionally well suited to this role. She will be an inspiring presence at convocation and an exceptional ambassador for our university.”
As the ceremonial head of Saint Mary’s, the Chancellor presides over convocation and represents the university in the wider community. Working alongside university leadership and the Board of Governors, the Chancellor serves as an advocate for Saint Mary’s and helps strengthen its relationships. The voluntary appointment is for a three-year term.
“I am deeply honoured to take on this role and especially proud to become the first woman Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University,” says Sobey-Hames. “Saint Mary’s has so much to offer students. I have been struck by the way the university brings disciplines together, connects education with real-world experience and gives students different ways to succeed. I look forward to hearing more from students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Sobey-Hames has developed her own close relationship with Saint Mary’s through years of direct service. She is a member of the David Sobey Centre Endowment Committee and the Sobeys Scholarship Endowment Fund Committee, through which she supports opportunities for students and the continued development of the Sobey School of Business.
In 2022, Saint Mary’s recognized her contributions to the university and the wider community with an Associate Alumni of the Year Award. Sobey-Hames describes receiving the award as one of the highlights of her long association with Saint Mary’s.
Her appointment also marks a historic chapter in a family connection with the university that spans generations. Her grandfather, Frank H. Sobey, received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Saint Mary’s in 1979. Her late father, Dr. David Sobey DComm’91, served as Saint Mary’s University Chancellor from 2008 to 2010. Her brother, Paul Sobey DComm'11 served as Chancellor from 2014 to 2019. Janis Sobey-Hames and her husband, Christopher Hames, have four daughters all of whom are Saint Mary’s alumnae.
“For me, a university is about its students; they are what bring a campus to life,” says Sobey-Hames. “What I am looking forward to most is meeting them, hearing their stories and celebrating everything they have worked for. Convocation at Saint Mary’s feels so personal. You can see the pride of each graduate and of the family members, friends and mentors who helped them reach that moment.”
Sobey-Hames succeeds Michael Durland BComm’87 DComm’10 who served as Chancellor from 2019 to 2026.
Her appointment is effective on September 1, and she will be formally installed as Chancellor and preside over her first convocation ceremonies on November 13, 2026.
Media Contact:
Delia Macpherson
Manager, Media Relations Saint Mary’s University
902-225-8841