President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)
Halifax, N.S. – Dr. Robert (Rob) Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S., has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).
Dr. Summerby-Murray will serve a two-year term as Chair, effective immediately.
In addition to Dr. Summerby-Murray, AAU Council (Presidents) appointed the following to the AAU Executive Committee:
Dr. Denis Prud’homme, Recteur, Université de Moncton, Vice-chair
Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President, University of New Brunswick
Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President, University of Prince Edward Island
Dr. Neil Bose, President Pro Tempore, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Dr. Andy Hakin, President, St. Francis Xavier University
Dr. Peggy Shannon, President, NSCAD University
Upon his appointment, Dr. Summerby-Murray, noted that the core values of the region’s universities are centred upon research and innovation, student success, social mobility, community engagement, leadership, and accountability.
“These core values are central to the contribution of strong public universities to regional prosperity and social and cultural development,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.
“Ensuring our campuses are innovative, accessible, safe, secure and welcoming to all students is fundamental to making Atlantic Canada an education destination, locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. An important continuing agenda item for the AAU will be the fostering of its positive working relationship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the efficient processing of international student visa applicants accepted by our universities and to ensure alignment between immigration policies and the social and economic growth aspirations of Atlantic Canada.
“Universities play a significant role in regional population growth by attracting, educating, and helping retain international students in communities across Atlantic Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively with our provincial and municipal governments to create affordable student housing on and off campus as well as reliable and efficient public transit systems,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.
He also noted that, “our university leaders know that improving access to healthcare is a top priority for Atlantic Canadians. In addition to graduating thousands of students annually who have been educated and trained to work in all aspects of healthcare delivery, our institutions are also focused on promoting healthy and active lifestyles among our students, values that will remain with them, their families, and communities in which they reside into the future.”
The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic, cultural and social prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.
$25 million landmark investment in Saint Mary’s University
Loyola Conference Hall was overflowing with excitement on March 8 with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends celebrating the news of a $25 million investment in the university.
Announced by the Honorable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, Saint Mary's University is the recipient of a $25 million investment from the Province of Nova Scotia to expand its programs, research and capacity in healthcare data analytics, management, and leadership, with a focus on creating solutions to improve the province’s healthcare system.
"I want to thank Premier Tim Houston, Minister Wong, and the provincial government for putting their faith in Saint Mary's University and our ability to improve the health and well-being of Nova Scotians through our excellence in data analytics, health research and professional development expertise," says Alan R. Abraham, Jr. BComm'80, Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.
The $25 million investment marks the most significant single government investment in the history of Saint Mary's University.
"Thank you to all the faculty, students, and staff who joined us on Wednesday for this landmark announcement," says Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice-President of Advancement and External Affairs. "Your support and excitement made this event a resounding success."
This investment will support the university’s capacity to expand and grow and will include, but not be limited to:
expanding health data analytics programming and research at Saint Mary's. This will support hiring additional faculty members and researchers and creating the right spaces to support growth in our student population and research activity. This includes investments in technology to support teaching, learning and research;
developing management and leadership programming for healthcare professionals. This programming would target healthcare administrators, family doctors, and office directors. Delivery could take several forms, including micro-credentials, diplomas, certificates, and executive professional development; and
expanding the articulation agreements with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). This will create and promote new pathways between the healthcare programs at NSCC and undergraduate degree programs at Saint Mary’s University.
“Community is at the heart of all that we do at Saint Mary’s University,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Expanding our focus to support a vital component of any great community, its health and well-being is an excellent part of the solution to improving healthcare in Nova Scotia.”
This tremendous investment recognizes Saint Mary’s strength in interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with community. Saint Mary’s students have world-class opportunities while benefiting from exceptional student-faculty relationships. Here, ideas and possibilities from diverse and varying perspectives are nurtured and explored. New pathways, breakthroughs and careers emerge.
Watch for more news and ways to get involved in maximizing the impact of this opportunity for Saint Mary’s, for our students and faculty and for all Nova Scotians.
VIDEO: A holiday message from our president
Please enjoy this short video that reflects all that Saint Mary’s has accomplished this year. If so inspired, please share with your networks by using the Share function above.
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday!
Cookies & Cocoa in the Quad
An annual holiday tradition has been forged at Saint Mary’s! For the second year in a row, President Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Isobel Tyler, in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Services Student Success Centre, hosted Cookies & Cocoa in the Quad.
Armed with cocoa, coffee, cookies and candy canes, the presidents served up treats and holiday cheer to students from a quaint wood cocoa stand. Despite the cold, drizzly weather, more than 200 students came out to chat with the presidents and enjoy a pick-me-up as they prepared for final exams to close out the fall term.
President Robert Summerby-Murray awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc and Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.
Saint Mary’s University is pleased to share the news that President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for ‘exceptional qualities and outstanding service to our Province in the field of Education.’
The award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, at a ceremony held at Government House on October 18, 2022. The commemorative medal is presented in honour of the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s succession to the throne and is awarded to residents of Nova Scotia who have made significant contributions to Canada, Nova Scotia, their community, or to their fellow citizens.
Throughout his decades-long career and since joining Saint Mary’s University as President in 2015, Dr. Summerby-Murray has been a noted champion of higher education in Canada and abroad. He is active on the boards of Universities Canada, the Association of Atlantic Universities, the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents, Atlantic University Sports, and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation Presidents’ Cohort Group on ‘Universities and Social Infrastructure’. Recently, he has focused on initiatives to support veteran-friendly campuses and to prevent racism on campus through participation in national initiatives such as the BlackNorth Initiative education committee and the Scarborough National Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Inclusion. He has just completed a two-year term as board chair of the Canadian Bureau of International Education and remains committed to international education and the global nature of the academy.
The entire Saint Mary’s University community joins with Dr. Summerby-Murray and his family in celebrating his contributions to education and community and this well-deserved recognition.
Saint Mary’s University Signs Charter on Black Inclusion and Fighting Anti-Black Racism
Members of the President's Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism (L-R): Dr. Ehab Elsharkawi, Franklyn Southwell, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Brady Paul, Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, Natalia Storr, Deborah Brothers-Scott, Raymond Sewell
Action towards equity and diversity
Saint Mary's University has signed onto the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion In Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities.
Deborah Brothers-Scott, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, and Dr. Rohini Bannerjee
Created with input and collaboration from students, faculty, staff, relevant organizations and Black political and civic leaders, the charter reflects the post-secondary sector's shared recognition of the realities of anti-Black racism. It provides a concrete path forward to address these and create a more inclusive future. The charter follows four overarching principles: black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability.
"The President's Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism took a unique, deliberate and thoughtful approach to our signing and support of the Scarborough Charter," says Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness at Saint Mary's University and Chair of the committee. "We consulted with various areas of the university, such as the Saint Mary's University Students' Association, Student Affairs and Services, People and Culture and faculty. The charter was presented to the university's senate and has been endorsed by the board of governors."
Saint Mary's has already begun to implement some of the following actions, with all expected to be complete within the next year. The university:
has appointed Dr. Rohini Bannerjee as the Associate Vice-President, Diversity Excellence, with responsibility and accountability for diversity excellence, to work with the Associate Vice-President of People and Culture and the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness, to add focus on academic elements
will establish a Black Caucus consisting of Black faculty and staff
will utilize disaggregated data to make data informed decisions on Black representation and inclusion
will develop and implement a diversity excellence cohort hiring strategy to increase and retain Black and Indigenous faculty and staff
The President’s Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism played an instrumental role in reviewing the charter in association with the Anti-Racism Action Plan. The committee includes:
Deborah Brothers-Scott, Chair (Director, Diversity Inclusion and Wellness)
Dr. Robert Summerby Murray (President and Vice-Chancellor)
Tom Brophy (Senior Director of Student Affairs & Services)
Raymond Sewell (Faculty of Arts)
Dr. Naja Attig (Sobey School of Business)
Dr. Ehab Elsharkawi (Faculty of Science)
Dr. Tatjana Takseva (Faculty of Arts and Chairperson, Saint Mary’s University Academic Senate)
Dr. Rohini Bannerjee (AVP Diversity Excellence)
Franklyn Southwell (President, SMUSA)
Kyle Cook (Vice President - Academic & Advocacy, SMUSA)
Brady Paul (Indigenous Student Advisor)
Natalia Storr (Student/Alumni representative)
Download the Charter
The consultative approach that the university's committee took was applauded by Dr. Adelle Blackett, Canada Research Chair at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, who was the principal drafter of the charter.
"As a member of the Inter-Institutional Advisory Committee members for the national dialogues, I am proud that Saint Mary's University has signed onto the Scarborough Charter," says Saint Mary's President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "As an institution, we are committed to systemic change, change we will see through this charter."
Work on the Charter began in October 2020, when universities, colleges and other partners came together in conversation on how to meaningfully address anti-Black racism and Black inclusion. From there, the Inter-Institutional Advisory Committee (IIAC) for the National Dialogues and Action began drafting the charter, drawing from the input received from members of the community and sector. Further consultations on the drafted charter took place from March to June 2021, in which partners from Canadian universities and colleges took part in shaping the principles, actions and accountability measures contained within.
Signatories of the Scarborough Charter are following through on the promises made by universities and colleges in the summer of 2020 and by partner institutions at the October 2020 National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities. Signatories are committing to meaningful, concrete action to address anti-Black racism and to promote Black inclusion.
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Message from the President in support of Ukraine
Speaking on behalf of Saint Mary’s University, I want to express my deep concern with the hostile incursion taking place in Ukraine and its impact on the Ukrainian people. As a university with strong international ties, and as scientists, humanists and scholars, we unite with the international community in calling for peace and an immediate end to the invasion. Saint Mary’s University stands with the people of Ukraine and the many members of the Ukrainian Community here in Canada.
We recognize that students, faculty, and staff may be affected by the conflict and want to remind our community that the university has a range of resources in place:
Students can access mental health supports including free confidential 1-1 counselling, through the Saint Mary’s University Counselling Centre. International students can also access supports through the International Student Centre.
Students seeking phone- or text-based mental health support services can contact Good2Talk by calling 1-833-292-3698 or texting Good2TalkNS to 686868.
Staff may access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Faculty and Professional Librarians should contact the Union Office at unionoffice@smufu.org or 902 496 8090 to determine options available for counselling.
Rob Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor
University Remembers Former President, Kenneth Ozmon OC
The Saint Mary’s University community honours the memory of and recalls with fondness former university president Kenneth (Ken) Ozmon OC, who passed away 23 February 2022. Born in 1931, he taught at various U.S. and Canadian universities before coming to Saint Mary’s. Kenneth Ozmon became president in 1979, serving for 21 years until 2000 and leading the university through a period of great change and progress. Dr. Ozmon was president during a time of considerable growth in enrolment and several capital campaigns; he was proud to break ground on the Sobey Building with Dr. David Sobey and then Premier John Savage in 1996 and celebrate the building opening in 1998. He is also known for his strong interest in assisting youth with disabilities and in creating more inclusive models for university participation. His advocacy made a lasting impact on Saint Mary’s University and other universities in the region, and this was recognized with him being made an Officer in the Order of Canada in 1998 for his “outstanding contribution to education.”
“Ken Ozmon’s leadership contributed directly to the growing stature of Saint Mary’s University throughout the 1980s and 90s. The international outreach that took shape under his presidency and his strong belief, which he translated to the institution, in the right for everyone to have unobstructed access to post-secondary education were key drivers of the university’s vision and mission,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Summerby-Murray. “His firm stamp is evident in the Saint Mary’s we know today.” Ken remained connected to the institution and was a familiar and faithful presence at varsity games cheering on the SMU Huskies. He made a special trip to campus in October 2021 when he toured The Dauphinee Centre and the site of the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub. Ken was delighted to see the progress underway and expressed his ongoing great pride in the institution he served for so long.
The university is flying flags at half-mast in recognition of his legacy and in sympathy with his family at his passing.
New Partnership Supporting BIPOC Youth in Computer Science, Technology, Leadership and Sustainable Development
Alfred Burgesson, Founder at Tribe Network and Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University.
Photo Credit: Ian Selig
A new province-wide program available to youth ages 15 to 18 in Nova Scotia who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour and are interested in developing skills in computer science and technology, leadership, and sustainable development has launched.
"The Brilliant Creators Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for BIPOC youth to develop new skills while practicing creativity, innovation, leadership, and learning with technology. We are committed to working with youth and empowering them to be creators of the world they want to live in," said Alfred Burgesson, Founder at Tribe Network.
The 15 participants in the Brilliant Creators Fellowship are engaged in regular workshops, events, team-focused projects, and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Participants will develop their interpersonal skills and competencies in digital literacy, communication, sustainable development while also developing peer-to-peer networks. In addition to skill development, participants will also gain access to community leaders and industry mentors. The Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre will support youth entrepreneurship skill development throughout the initiative.
"Saint Mary's University is committed to a world without limits. The Brilliant Creators Fellowship helps us to support and reduce barriers facing BIPOC youth, which is an important part of achieving that goal," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "We are proud to partner with Tribe Network and Brilliant Labs on this project."
"We recognize the importance of championing diversity across all fields of research, work and study," says President Summerby-Murray. "That is why we are offering every student who finishes this program a $12,000 scholarship over four years to study computer science or business at Saint Mary's University."
In the first year of the program, participants include youth from Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Fall River and Membertou First Nation.
Saint Mary’s University is pleased to partner with Tribe Network, to support the participants, and to further the impact of the Brilliant Creators Fellowship for years to come.
Saint Mary’s Looks to Future with New Brand Story
Saint Mary’s University is looking to the future with the launch of a new brand.
“It is time for Saint Mary’s University to assert our place boldly among the top Canadian universities and proclaim our advantages at home and around the globe,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This is the brand for our university and for our times. Saint Mary’s University offers a bright, ambitious vision for the future.”
The new brand platform results from months of qualitative and quantitative research and extensive consultation with a diverse group of more than 3,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.
The new treatment includes a logo, wordmark and tagline, ‘World Without Limits.’
“‘World Without Limits’ is a wonderful distillation of who we are and what Saint Mary’s strives for every day. It is about investment in people, about economies, international relations and social prosperity, changes in science, technology, environment and business. It is also about acknowledging and tackling the very real limitations placed on diverse and marginalized cultures and peoples, and addressing the mental health issues that many grapple with every day. It is about Saint Mary’s bold vision and our commitment to our university community, for Halifax and for Nova Scotia,” says President Summerby-Murray.
“More than an updated look and feel, our new brand platform is a powerful way of telling the Saint Mary’s story,” says Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice-President, Advancement. “Saint Mary’s offers a unique experience. We are a caring community, more typically associated with smaller universities, combined with the research and student engagement opportunities of the largest institutions. We are moving the university forward in a way that reflects our traditions and values and embraces our bright future.”
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Digital transformation benefits students at Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary's University, one of Canada's foremost primarily undergraduate universities, is building the learning environment of the future that will give current and future students a world-class engaging and immersive experience. A digital transformation, backed by a series of technology investments, will place Saint Mary's in a leading position for student experience, student choice, and blended learning in Canada and around the world.
Saint Mary's has partnered with industry-leading experts D2L and Ellucian to innovate and improve the learner experience in an approach that is on the cutting edge for post-secondary institutions. Saint Mary's integrated learning environment will be one of the most sophisticated in Canada. It will bring together all aspects of virtual and in-person learning into a seamless whole, including the management of learning, data records, academic and financial services, credentialing, and learner support.
“The digital transformation will be a game-changer for our students, removing barriers to higher education related to scheduling, learning style and preferences, finance, accommodation, and location,” says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "New technology and digital services will mean that Saint Mary’s students will be able to learn and engage fully with their professors, fellow students, and research partners in the classroom, from their home and from anywhere in the world. This investment will open up doors for completion of degrees online for some students. For others, their courses and experiences will be the perfect mix of in-person, virtual and online. Our students have spoken, and building on what we have learned during the pandemic, we know they want these options and this flexibility. This is the future and this strategic partnership puts Saint Mary’s in a leadership position nationally."
Saint Mary's will use D2L's Brightspace platform and leading-edge technology to create the most interactive course content for learners anywhere in the world, provide individualized learning pathways, give learners personalized feedback, and engage them in their learning through gamification, social tools, and video.
The university's new integrated learning environment will be hosted in the cloud to provide a seamless service to learners across a lifetime of learning. The transformation will encompass all courses, programs, and certificates, and all 6,500 students will benefit from this $9.3 million investment over five years.
"This investment will lead to significant improvements in the teaching and learning experience and the general operations and systems of the university that will be felt by everyone," says Saint Mary's University's Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Michelle Benoit. "We are removing duplication and increasing student and faculty access to the services of the university while providing them more tools and pathways to enhance their experience. We are automating processes to provide faster response times for students, freeing up staff time to focus on other service delivery areas. This is a very significant moment for our institution."
Over the project's term, the university's data management system, Ellucian Banner, will be integrated with the university's online learning platform, Brightspace by D2L. Both Ellucian and D2L are key partners for this digital transformation.
"We are excited to expand our relationship with Saint Mary's University to further accelerate their digital transformation journey," said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. "SMU's investment in modern systems in the cloud will enhance operational efficiencies enabling more resources to focus on what's most important -- students. Their unwavering commitment to improving the student experience, paired with their vision to become a truly global institution, sets them apart as an innovative leader in higher education."
"What Saint Mary's University has done is nothing short of remarkable," said John Baker, President and CEO of D2L. "Creating a truly learner-centered, fully integrated learning environment can only happen when you're absolutely committed to student success. It's a real honour for all of us at D2L to be part of such a progressive, innovative and student-centered success story."
"This investment is about improving supports for teaching and learning and improving processes and data management to allow students, faculty, and staff to focus more on the primary reason we are all here—the creation and the dissemination of knowledge," says President Summerby-Murray.