ACADIA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Access Control Coordinator / Student Security Staff
Job Titles:
- Interim Coordinator, International Student Affiars
After completing an internship in her first field, Allison, a native of The Bahamas, decided she wanted to pursue her love of music. She was encouraged to apply to Acadia by her great-aunt who had studied music at Acadia. Allison applied, was admitted, and decided not to apply anywhere else. She arrived at Acadia in fall 2011 and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. During her time at Acadia Allison was the accompanist for the University Chorus, several music students, and an organ scholar in the Manning Memorial Chapel. Allison was also the organist at St. John's Anglican Church in Wolfville.
After leaving Acadia, Allison went to Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, where she obtained her Master of Divinity in 2017. While there she was the College's chapel organist and a substitute organist at various churches in the Toronto area. Upon returning to The Bahamas, Allison served as organist at two Anglican churches, and an occasional rehearsal pianist for the Bahamas National Youth Choir. During this time, she also obtained her teacher's certification and taught at a local high school. Allison was ordained in the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands in November 2020.
Allison is also a certified swim coach and president of a local swim club. She is passionate about her work with children and young people, loves a good book, and travelling, having been to 20 countries and counting.
Job Titles:
- Director of the School of Nutrition
Barb Anderson ('77) recently retired as Director of the School of Nutrition and Dietetics at Acadia University, assuming that position in 2009 after a 30-year career with Nova Scotia Public Health. Her research focus is food security, having been involved with Nova Scotia Food Security projects for over 20 years. Barb is interested in working with the local community around healthy food issues and, as a result, through courses she taught, supported the development of a partnership between the Wolfville Farmer's Market and the School of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Barb was President of the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association, Chair of Dietitians of Canada, and President of the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research. She is a Fellow of Dietitians of Canada and a Life Member of both the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada. She was the ‘nutrition voice' on the CBC Radio Maritime Noon phone-in program for 20 years and has been an invited speaker at over 40 provincial, national, and international conferences. Barb lives in Wolfville with her husband, Norm.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Advancement Services
Job Titles:
- Director, Financial Services
Job Titles:
- Director, Advancement Services
Job Titles:
- International Enrolment Advisor
Job Titles:
- Health and Wellness Coordinator
Courtney Sheedy (she/her) Campus Health and Wellness Coordinator Courtney completed her BSc specializing in Health Promotion from Dalhousie and is currently completing her M.Ed. for Health Interprofessionals with Acadia! Courtney organizes the Acadia@Night program, the Brain Health Rewards Program/YOU101, Keep it Social, and supports Athletics with the Acadia4U program. Courtney takes a holistic, population health approach to her work and is passionate about supporting students, staff/faculty, and the Wolfville community. Her instagram page is @healthyacadiau.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Printing Services
Job Titles:
- Student Services Representative
Job Titles:
- Biosafety Officer
- Department of Biology
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Andrew Biro, Graduate Studies Coordinator andrew.biro@acadiau.ca 902-585-1925 https://spt.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice - President / Research
- Associate Vice - President Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Chris Shields, Graduate Studies Coordinator chris.shields@acadiau.ca 902-585-1319 https://kinesiology.acadiau.ca
Christina Toplack is a physician who has been practicing medical psychotherapy for several years. Pronouns are she/her. Christina has trained in many therapeutic approaches including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Logosynthesis, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Chi Gong, Somatics and Redecision Therapy and extensively uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy in her work. She prescribes medications when appropriate. She works with people experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, perfectionism, and other acute and chronic stress-reactions. Christina brings a feminist and gender-diversity-positive perspective to her work and strives to recognize and address the effects of stigma, bias, and violence on mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. She is happy to be a member of the Counselling Centre staff.
Job Titles:
- Provost & Vice - President Academic
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair
- Current Chair
- Faculty of Arts ( Co - Chair )
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Elhadi Shakshuki, Graduate Studies Coordinator elhadi.shakshuki@acadiau.ca 902-585-1067 https://cs.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
- Mathematics & Statistics
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- President
- Vice - Chancellor
- 17th President and Vice - Chancellor
- President and Vice - Chancellor / Support
Acadia University is proud to introduce its 17th President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jeff Hennessy ('99). A distinguished alumnus of Acadia, Dr. Hennessy boasts an impressive repertoire of academic achievements and experience.
An accomplished leader with a deep-rooted connection to our campus, Dr. Hennessy was the Director of the School of Music from 2007-2013. Under his leadership, he spearheaded innovative music curriculum initiatives that contributed to a remarkable 30 percent surge in department enrollment and enhanced its national reputation. Furthermore, he served as Dean of Arts from 2014 to 2019. He was instrumental in leading Acadia's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, paving the way for the university's decolonization strategy.
Before assuming his role at Acadia, Dr. Hennessy recently served as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor and was Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research at Mount Allison University since 2020. In this capacity, he also acted as the Chief Transition Officer during Mount Allison's presidential search. During this time, he also served as Chair of both the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission and the Maple League of Universities.
Regarding academic accolades, Dr. Hennessy holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Music from Acadia University, and a Bachelor of Science from Trent University.
As an accomplished musician, Dr. Hennessy ardently believes in harmony and collaboration - values he brings to his position at Acadia. His inclusive approach invites everyone to join him in fostering excellence at Canada's premier liberal arts institution.
Please welcome Dr. Jeff Hennessy as Acadia University's 17th President and Vice-Chancellor. He assumed the role on September 1, 2023.
President Jeff Hennessy is responsible for the management of Acadia University and all its departments. To assist in the performance of these duties, the President, with the approval of the Board of Governors, oversees a number of officers.
Job Titles:
- Faculty of Pure & Applied Science Representative
Dr. Jody Linkletter, Manager of Admissions jody.linkletter@acadiau.ca 902-585-2210 https://acadiadiv.
Job Titles:
- Faculty ( Member ) of Theology Representative
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Kait Pinder, Graduate Studies Coordinator kait.pinder@acadiau.ca 902-585-1255 https://english.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Director ( Interim )
- Interim Vice - President, Academic
- Interim Vice - President, Academic / Support
- Vice - President, Academic ( Interim )
Biography
Dr. Kate Ashley has a B.A. (Hons.) in English and French from Acadia University, where she was awarded the University Medal in French. After her undergraduate study, she completed an MèsL at the Université de Rouen before earning an M.Phil. in European Literature from the University of Cambridge and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. In 2023, she was awarded a J.D. from the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, where she received prizes in Torts and Dispute Resolution.
Dr. Ashley's research focuses on the history of the novel and nineteenth-century literary movements, as well as literary relations between France and Britain. She is the author of Robert Louis Stevenson and Nineteenth-Century French Literature: Literary Relations at the Fin de Siècle and Edmond de Goncourt and the Novel: Naturalism and Decadence. She is also the editor of Prix Goncourt, 1903-2003: essais critiques and co-editor of Carver Across the Curriculum. While nineteenth-century fiction remains her primary focus, she has recently begun research projects related to education law and language law.
Dr. Ashley has a keen interest in university governance and labour relations. At Acadia, she has served as Acting Head of Languages and Literatures and as Assistant Dean of Arts. She has also been a member of the AUFA Executive and served on grievance committees at Acadia and elsewhere. She values academic and public service and advocacy work. Currently, she is Vice-President of Canadian Parents for French-National, serves on the Board of the Scottish Studies Society of Canada, and is co-editor of reviews for the International Review of Scottish Studies.
Dr. Ashley administers the academic program (instruction and research) and university services that support the academic program, such as libraries, academic resources, and institutional planning.
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair
- Faculty of Professional Studies Representative ( Co - Chair )
Job Titles:
- Biology
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Mary Sweatman, Graduate Studies Coordinator mary.sweatman@acadiau.ca 902-585-1122 https://commdev.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Mo Snyder, Graduate Studies Coordinator morgan.snyder@acadiau.ca 902-585-1858 https://ees.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Nelson O'Driscoll, Graduate Studies Coordinator nelson.odriscoll@acadiau.ca 902-585-1679 https://ees.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Chemistry
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Manager, Research Grants and Programs
Dr. Malcolm ('82, '83) was born and raised in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He completed his BA and BEd at Acadia. He also has an MEd (Université de Moncton), MA (Gallaudet University), MS (Fort Hays State University), and an EdD (Northern Arizona University).
Following graduation from Université de Moncton, Dr. Malcolm moved to the United States and began his career teaching deaf and blind students. During his career, he has been a classroom teacher, counselor, special education coordinator, assistant principal, high school principal and assistant director of special education. In addition, he has been an adjunct faculty member working with both undergraduate and graduate level students aspiring to become educators. His academic and research interests include deafness, blindness, dual sensory impairments, applied behaviour analysis as well as children with autism. He publishes regularly in Autism Parenting as well as Exceptional Needs Today magazines. Dr. Malcolm is also fluent in both American Sign Language and Braille.
Dr. Malcolm has received many awards, including Special Education Teacher of the Year, Employee of the Year (for the state by the Governor`s Committee for the Employment of the Disabled), Young Alumnus of the Year, High School Principal of the Year (for his work with mental health concerns with students), Citizen of the Year, the Fox 4 Crystal Apple Award - Educator of the Year, and the Mortar Board Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Kansas. For the past three years, he was named the Top Educational Writer for Autism Parenting magazine. In 2021, he was named Top Parenting Solution Writer by Exceptional Needs Today magazine. In addition to raising three children (Joel, Chelsea, and Andrew) with his wife Sherrie, he has been a foster parent to approximately 56 foster children. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, gardening, teaching Sunday School and spending time with his family. Dr. Malcolm recently retired and has relocated to a remote fishing village in Alaska to work with children with significant disabilities.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Sandra Barr, Graduate Studies Coordinator sandra.barr@acadiau.ca 902-585-1340 https://ees.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Graduate Studies Coordinator
Dr. Sarah Rudrum, Graduate Studies Coordinator sarah.rudrum@acadiau.ca 902-585-1107 https://sociology.acadiau.ca
Job Titles:
- Financial Analyst, Research Accounting
Job Titles:
- Student Services Representative
Job Titles:
- Coordinator - Work Integrated Learning
Emily graduated from Acadia University in 2013 with her MA in Sociology focusing on barriers to employment for persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia. In her current role, she coordinates the Work Integrated Learning Program to support student employment opportunities for students with disabilities at Acadia. She provides education/workshops on work readiness, helps students to develop career goals while connecting the goals to what is being learned in the classroom, and partners with campus and community employers to facilitate subsidized work placements.
Emma grew up in Cambridge, Nova Scotia, not far from her alma mater, Acadia University. Emma's academic path led her to Acadia University in 2007 to complete a BSc in nutrition. As a varsity basketball athlete, she finished her career as a five-time academic all-Canadian, second team all-CIS, earned numerous conference and university awards, and won the Haley Medal, awarded to "the female graduating student who has made the most outstanding contribution to varsity athletics, other extracurricular activities and scholarship." Emma later attended the University of Windsor, where she earned her master's in Sport Management. While studying in Windsor, Emma was an assistant coach with the five-time National Championship women's basketball team and held one year as the interim head coach in 2018.
During the time between Emma's academic ventures, she pursued a career as a professional athlete, playing basketball for three years in Germany in the first and second Bundesliga. Emma had numerous successes, including winning a league championship with the Osnabruck Panthers.
After completing her master's, Emma joined the North American basketball company, PGC Basketball, as a Basketball Development Coordinator. Her passion for youth sport development has taken her all over North America through her work with PGC and has recently landed her a position as Operations Manager with Basketball Nova Scotia.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Communications and Events
- Other Campus Communications and Marketing Contacts
Erica received her BA and M.Ed from Acadia University. She has experience in both university counselling centers and private practice settings. She has completed training in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and works from a client-centered approach with experience in Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. She works with individuals, couples, and groups on issues related to anxiety, depression, stress, anger, 2SLGBTQIA+, gender, relationship and interpersonal concerns.
Job Titles:
- Advancement Communications Coordinator ( Interim )
Job Titles:
- Black Students' Association President ( TBC )
Job Titles:
- Manager, Advancement Communications / Editor, Alumni Bulletin
Gina received a B.A. (soc) from Saint Mary's University, a Corrections Diploma from Success College and an M.Ed in Counselling from Acadia University.
Gina pulls from a variety of therapies in her sessions but works primarily from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and actively incorporates the practice of self-compassion and self-talk in her therapy sessions. Areas of focus include substance use, eating disorders, anger and relationships.
Gina is also the Career Counsellor and is qualified to administer the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and The Strong Interest Inventory to help you explore your future career opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board
- University Secretary to the Board of Governors and Senate
Job Titles:
- Manager and Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
- Manager Safety & Security & OHS Coordinator
Job Titles:
- International Student Society
Job Titles:
- Student Disability Representative ( TBC )
Monitors the production, issuance, and return of keys to all the University buildings and rooms as well as maintenance for all locks on campus. Provides access for contractors and staff, produces ID cards.
Hélène d'Entremont, Department of Biology (585-1729, helene.dentremont@acadiau.ca)
Job Titles:
- Accessability Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Executive Director to the President / Communications and Government Relations
- Executive Director to the President / Communications and Government Relations / Administrator, FOIPOP
- Government Relations Contact
Job Titles:
- Campus Tours & Event Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Administration
- Executive Director / Student Services
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant ( Interim )
Job Titles:
- Dean of Libraries & Archives ( Interim )
Job Titles:
- International Admissions Officer
I'm Julia and I love the challenge of working in a busy university counselling centre. I've always been interested in listening to people's stories and am drawn to life on campus and the difficulties that students might experience.
I am a trauma-informed counsellor who has worked with students to help overcome anxiety, depression, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, sexualized violence, and adjusting to life on campus. I particularly enjoy working with culturally diverse and International Students and draw from an integrated counselling approach including ACT, Narrative, EMDR, animal-assisted, and feminist modalities.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and a Certified Canadian Counselling with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I hold an M.Ed from Acadia University, an M.A. from Dalhousie University and have completed the Complete Basic Training for EMDR as well as holding a graduate certificate in Human Animal Connection from the University of Denver.
Job Titles:
- Accessible Learning Support Advisor
Kate is primarily responsible for developing needs based workshops to support students improving their time management, communication, and study skills. In addition, Kate is an excellent resource to help students self-advocate. Kate completed her BFA and MEd with a focus on Post-Secondary Leadership at Simon Fraser University and has worked in Student Services in various roles for the last ten years.
With a Master of Education, and Bachelor of Recreation Management both from Acadia, Kelton hopes to bring valuable skills, knowledge, and experience to his role on the board and is delighted to work and serve with our alumni community.
Until recently, he worked in Higher Education with a focus on student life and improving the student experience. This work included positions within Acadia Student Services and with Residence Life at the University of Prince Edward Island. He is always willing to share his thoughts on student support and creating conditions for student success.
His university experience was somewhat unconventional as he returned to university to complete his education later in life, joining his first class at Acadia more than twenty years after high school and giving up a career in industry, manufacturing and sales. He was inspired to return to university after realizing he was the last member of his family to earn their degree, with his father returning to university in his early 60s. His decision to study at Acadia was based on its reputation.
Kelton is currently the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Wolfville and continues to support students and the Acadia community directly and indirectly. He grew up in Seabright, NS and currently lives in Berwick, NS.
Kierstyn grew up in the small town of Summerside, Prince Edward Island. She graduated from Acadia with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2022. Kierstyn was an active volunteer with Acadia's Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience (S.M.I.L.E.) program, the Wolfville Farmers' Market, and the Valley Regional Hospital. She found her place within the Acadia community as a representative of the Biology Society, Vice-President of the Pre-Health Society, and takes great pride in holding the role of Life President of the Class of 2022. In her spare time, she loves to stay active and get outdoors - whether it be going the gym, playing pick-up basketball or doing yoga.
Kierstyn has recently made the move from coast-to-coast and now calls Kelowna, BC home. She is currently in the first year of her master's in Health and Exercise Science, where she is researching the effects of exercise on pain in people with spinal cord injury at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She is excited to be continuing her studies and is enjoying the thrill of living in a new city so far. In the future, she plans to keep drawing from her love for science and get her medical degree. It is her second year serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors as an ex-officio member, a position she found great value in holding as a student and now young alumni. She feels extreme gratitude for her experiences on the Board thus far and is honoured to be nominated as a full-time Board Director.
Job Titles:
- Indigenous Student Society
Leah is a native of Wolfville, Nova Scotia and although she grew up in Ontario and has spent the last decade living in different parts of the world, she will always consider Wolfville home. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is an Assistant Director of Graduate Advising and Student Services at New York University. She graduated from Acadia in 2007 with a Bachelor of Recreation Management. She was a varsity soccer player during her Acadia days and served as a representative to the Acadia Players' Association. After her studies at Acadia, she spent some years traveling. Eventually, her travels took her to the Kurdistan region of Iraq to pursue a position teaching English at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). She spent four years working at AUIS and, through her work with university students, discovered a passion for higher education. This led her to New York City, where she completed a Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University in 2015. As a proud fourth generation member of our alumni community, Leah enjoys remaining connected to Acadia from NYC and hopes to strengthen her connection through service on the Acadia Alumni Board.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Student Recruitment ( Canada )
Not sure if the undergraduate program you're considering is right for you, or if you meet the admission requirements? Our Enrolment Advisors are happy to help! They can guide you through the process of choosing a program and applying for admission to Acadia.
Job Titles:
- Development Officer, Athletics
Job Titles:
- Director of Facilities / Facilities Management Director
Job Titles:
- Manager, Accessible Learning Services
Marissa graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2014 with a MSc in Psychology. In her role at Acadia, Marissa provides oversight and management of day-to-day operations of Accessible Leaning Services. She also assists students by providing advice related to disclosure and self-advocacy.
Job Titles:
- BScH, MSc ( Candidate Register )
Marissa has a BScH in Psychology from Queen's University, and an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University. She has experience working in private practice, community mental health, and university settings.
As a clinician with African Nova Scotian and Caribbean roots, Marissa is committed to providing supportive and sensitive care to students of diverse cultural and racial backgrounds.
She is intentional about creating a safe environment for students to process and understand their experiences. She works with students facing a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and difficult life transitions (for example, academic, professional, personal life adjustments, grief, and loss).
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice - President Finance and Treasurer / Financial Services
- Associate VP Finance & Treasurer
Job Titles:
- President
- Matt Rios ( '14 )
Matthew is originally from Vancouver, British Columbia. He graduated from Acadia University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. While at Acadia, Matthew served as the President of the Students' Union and was actively involved in the broader campus community. After his time at Acadia, he lived in Ottawa working as the Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations at a not-for-profit focused on post-secondary education. In 2018, Matthew moved to Melbourne, Australia to pursue a Master of International Business at Monash University. Upon the completion of his graduate degree, Matthew left the sunny beaches of Australia and returned to Nova Scotia. He is now living in Halifax and is working as a Public Sector Consultant with Davis Pier Consulting. Matthew joined the Alumni Association in May of 2014 and continues to be deeply invested in the future of the institution that has given him so much.
Born and raised in the islands of the Bahamas, Matthew Saunders ('09) moved to Canada in 2005 to begin university at Acadia. It was his first time living outside the Bahamas, but he instantly fell in love with Wolfville and had an amazing university experience, doing everything from serving as a Residence Assistant (RA) in Chase Court to DJing at the Axe. In 2009, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics with Business) and moved to Halifax to begin his career in finance. He would later earn his Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt designations. Currently, Matthew works as a Director of Finance Change, leading continuous improvement programs and finance technology implementation projects.
In recent years, after realizing the immense value of representation an belonging, Matthew has become actively involved with DEI initiatives in his professional and personal life. He helped launch the Black Employee Resource Group at his workplace, serving as chair from 2021-2023. This group worked to raise knowledge and awareness, positively impact the African Nova Scotian community, and eliminate barriers for black employees and prospective employees. Since February 2023, serving as President, Matthew has led the launch of the Bahamian Association of Nova Scotia, whose vision is to "Establish and elevate the presence, impact and culture of the Bahamas in Nova Scotia." Outside of work and volunteering, Matthew is a new dad who enjoys spending time with his family and friends, travelling, volleyball and golf.
Job Titles:
- Advancement Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Manager, Research Accounting
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
- Admin Coordinator, Safety & Security - Recording Secretary
Job Titles:
- Women 's Centre Coordinator
Moira MacLean (BBA '85), lives in Dartmouth, N.S. She met her partner Bill MacLean, also BBA, '85, at Acadia and went back to get married in the Chapel surrounded by many of their lifelong Acadia friends in 1990. Both of their children (Maddie '18 and Angus '20) also benefited from the Acadia experience.
Moira worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 19 years and now works with the MacLean Wealth Management Group in a marketing and team support role.
Moira has always been passionate about health and wellness, which has been the focus of much of her personal and volunteer efforts over her lifetime. She is most proud of her work creating and running wellness workshops for children; raising funds and devoting time to organizations for children with health challenges whether they live locally or abroad; working to help feed local children; providing positive experiences in sport; or raising funds for children to attend life-changing summer camps at Brigadoon Village. She is excited to bring her passion, positivity and perspectives combined with her love for Acadia to her new role with the Acadia Alumni Association Board.
Job Titles:
- Academic & Student Support
Job Titles:
- Interim Vice - President, Finance and Administration and CFO / Support
- Interim Vice - President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
- Vice - President, Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer ( Interim )
From 2010 until 2016, Youden served as Acadia's Vice-President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Before that time, he served in several senior roles within education in the Province of Nova Scotia. He earned his CA designation in 1982 and spent ten years with a professional services firm serving various clients across Atlantic Canada.
Mr. Youden is responsible for the management of building services, financial policy and systems, safety and security, information technology, varsity athletics, event services, and human resources.
Job Titles:
- Research Office Administrator
Job Titles:
- Manager, Industry & Community Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Director, Office of Industry & Community Engagement ( ICE )
Job Titles:
- Vice - President, Advancement
Biography
Nancy Handrigan ('92) is a seasoned fundraising professional with experience in health care and the private and public education sectors.
After receiving her BMus at Acadia, Nancy earned an MA in Music Criticism at McMaster University and continued her path in the arts as General Manager of the Canadian Children's Opera Chorus and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Nancy developed her skills in alumni relations and fundraising at McMaster, followed by a position in major gifts and gift planning at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation in Burlington, Ontario. Before joining Acadia, she served as Executive Director, Philanthropy, at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario.
Nancy returned to Acadia in 2013 to serve as its Executive Director, Philanthropy. She added Campaign Director to her duties in 2017 as the University prepared to launch Campaign for Acadia. Nancy worked with a small advancement team to establish an impressive Campaign Cabinet and implement the launch of Acadia's ambitious $75-million fundraising initiative that concluded successfully in December 2020, two years ahead of schedule, and exceeding its goal by nearly $12 million. The Campaign earned awards nationally and internationally for its communications strategies.
A native of St. John's, Newfoundland, Nancy is delighted to serve the University, its alumni, donors and many friends as Vice-President, Advancement.
Ms. Handrigan leads the teams responsible for maintaining a strong connection with alumni and building a network of supporters for Acadia University.
Natalie Irwin resides in the Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories (Ottawa) where in addition to completing an MA, Sustainable Energy Policy part-time at Carleton University, she is Director of Stakeholder Engagement at Efficiency Canada, the national voice for an energy efficiency economy. Prior to joining the national think-tank, Natalie managed the successful trade-ally program for EfficiencyOne, the franchise holder that operates Efficiency Nova Scotia for the province. As a Professional Business Relationship Manager, her role encompasses stakeholder engagement with North American energy efficiency organizations, partners, and associations.
Upon graduation from Acadia University with her Bachelor of Business Administration, Natalie received the Golden A Award for her volunteer work with the Acadia Student's Union, as a student member of the Board of Governors, and as SMARTT President, of the former student-alumni group. Since then, Natalie has continued to be an active volunteer and in 2019 was awarded the national Chapter Volunteer Leadership Award from the Canada Green Building Council and in 2016 received the Best Super-Connector Award by Halifax Partnership for her work with their Connector Program.
Job Titles:
- Manager / Communications and Special Projects
- Manager, Communications and Special Projects, Office of the President
Natalie Weekes
Manager, Communications and Special Projects, Office of the President
University Hall 216
natalie.weekes@acadiau.ca
902-585-1219
Job Titles:
- Manager, Marketing and Events / Events
Olivia Shive ('21) was born and raised in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia. She graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She was heavily involved in many volunteer activities in the Wolfville community such as the Cornwallis Veterinarians in Kentville, the S.M.I.L.E. Program, the Hants Community Hospital, and teaching dance at the Acadia Dance Community Club. Olivia comes from a long line of veterinarians and always aspired to work in the veterinary field. Right out of her undergraduate degree, she secured a contract position at Elanco Animal Health as a veterinary pharmaceutical sales representative. Her territory being in the west of Canada (the areas of Edmonton South to Calgary North and Saskatoon), she packed up and made the move to Edmonton, Alberta. She has been actively traveling in her new role and loves every minute of it.
Outside of her education and career, she has a deep love for the art of dance. She had been an avid member of Dance Acadia during her time at Acadia and in her final year became the co-captain. She is enjoys taking on leadership roles. Olivia is the Life President for the 2021 graduating class, and with that became part of the Alumni Association. She believes in staying connected to the Acadia family and is extremely honoured to now serve as a full-time member of the Board of Directors for the Acadia Alumni Association.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Alumni Affairs
Job Titles:
- Manager, International Recruitment
Not sure if the undergraduate program you're considering is right for you, or if you meet the admission requirements? Our Enrolment Advisors are happy to help! They can guide you through the process of choosing a program and applying for admission to Acadia.
Job Titles:
- Financial Services
- Manager, Procurement and Risk Management
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Office of the President
Patricia Sweet
Assistant to the Office of the President
University Hall 216
patricia.sweet@acadiau.ca
902-585-1218
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / Safety & Security
- Ex - Officio Committee Members ( Non - Voting )
As an immigrant from "the troubles" of Northern Ireland, Paul Black ('00) has lived a life of great good fortune in Canada. He earned a BA(H) in Political Science at Acadia, a Master's in Political Science at Dalhousie and Executive Education in Canada, the US, UK, India and South Africa. Paul has worked in government, business and with NGOs, so he's "trilingual." He provides counsel to a variety of private and public entities - building bridges, negotiating solutions and "getting proximate" to both opportunities and problems. Paul enjoys cycling and getting out to explore the diverse nature of this world. He has monitored elections as an International Observer in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.
A craft beer, good conversation and laughter make him happy. His kids do, too. He has more fiction than non on his bookshelf and often listens to the Hip or Snow Patrol and some current affairs podcasts on his playlist. Paul has lived in Northern Ireland, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and currently resides in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He believes that where you spend your time shows what you value in life. Besides his family and his health, Paul is committed to supporting a number of worthy organizations and people doing amazing work.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Marketing and Communications
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Manager of Asia Trade for the Halifax Port Authority
Sam Zhang was born and raised in Shanghai, China. He graduated from Acadia University in 2005 from the Bachelor of Business Administration program. During his time at Acadia, he was heavily involved with the Wong International Centre, connecting with other international students attending Acadia.
Upon graduation, Sam decided to stay in Nova Scotia and pursued his Certified Management Accountant designation (now Chartered Professional Accountant) and completed the MBA program at Saint Mary's University in 2010, as well as Queen's Executive Program offered through the Smith School of Business at Queen's University in 2017.
Sam is the Manager of Asia Trade for the Halifax Port Authority (HPA). In his role, he oversees growth and seeks new opportunities related to containerized Asian cargo through the Port of Halifax. Locally, Sam is the Vice-Chair of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association Atlantic Chapter and serves as a Board Member at Squash Nova Scotia.
The time spent at Acadia University was a great, exciting adventure for Sam that helped to shape the course of his life in Nova Scotia. He is thrilled to join the Alumni Association Board.
Sarah received her BScH in Astrophysics from Queen's University, MSc. in Holistic Science from Schumacher College, and MEd in Counselling from Acadia University. Sarah brings a body-centered, mindfulness-based approach to her individual counselling and groups on campus. She has just completed the first year of Somatic Experiencing training and has taught yoga and mindfulness over the past 12 years. She brings deep curiosity, care, and a social justice lens to her work with students experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief, trauma, and challenges in social and intimate relationships. Sarah is also an organic grower and has taught and written on sustainable food systems.
Job Titles:
- Director, Treasury Services
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Consultant
Shaq is a digital marketing consultant who graduated from Acadia University with a Business degree. With a keen interest in technology and marketing, he honed his skills in digital marketing and has since become a sought-after consultant in the industry.
Job Titles:
- Media Contact
- Director / University Communications
The 2023 Grad Class Life President is Sophia Blanchard. Sophia is from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and is majoring in biology, and minoring in chemistry. She is interested in health sciences and hopes to get her MD in the future. Sophia is the VP of Communications for WISE Acadia and is very passionate about getting younger girls involved in STEAM pathways in university and high school. She also loves volunteering at the Biology Help Centre as a tutor! Sophia enjoys the outdoors and going for hikes with her dog and friends. Sophia's words to live by are, "everything happens for a reason!"
Job Titles:
- ASU Diversity & Inclusion Representative
Stephanie is from Halifax, NS, and graduated from Acadia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While at Acadia, Stephanie was actively involved in campus life as a Residence Advisor and Teaching Assistant as well as The Acadia Dance Collective, Dance Acadia, the F.C. Manning School of Business, and the S.M.I.L.E. program. During her time in Wolfville, Stephanie also volunteered as an Advisor for Junior Achievement Nova Scotia's Company Program.
Since graduation, Stephanie's marketing and communications experience has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors. She has held positions with the House of Commons, Walt Disney World, Village Camps Geneva, Cossette and the IWK Foundation, where she discovered her passion for non-profit and health care communications. More recently, Stephanie held the position of Senior Consultant at NATIONAL Public Relations in Halifax, where her work focused on integrated marketing and communications in the health and non-profit sectors across NATIONAL's global network.
In 2016, Stephanie completed a Master of Arts in Communication at Mount Saint Vincent University, where she focused her thesis research on crowdfunding in Canada's non-profit health sector. She is currently the Director of Marketing and Communications with Research Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit corporation established to enhance research capacity and align research funding with provincial priorities.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Accounting Services
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Development
Véronique Russell ('16) is a native of Markham, ON. She currently lives in Fredericton, NB and is a Bachelor of Education candidate at the University of New Brunswick. At Acadia University, Véronique was a women's varsity rugby team member. In her final year as an Axewoman, she was a member of the 2015 AUS championship team, named to the AUS all-star team, an All-Canadian athlete, and most recently was named as one of the Top 15 Women's Rugby Athletes of the Decade (2010-2019).
After graduating from Acadia, Véronique pursued a post-graduate certificate at George Brown College and proceeded to work in financial marketing for four years until she realized she was no longer passionate about her work and wanted to do something more meaningful. Véronique took a leap of faith and decided to pursue a career in education. With both her mother and sister as educators, she believed this was only fitting. Véronique is a curriculum builder and workshop speaker for the Get Real movement and a research assistant for the University of New Brunswick.
At the end of August 2022, Véronique will head to Trinity College in Dublin to pursue her Master's in Education in Critical Perspectives on Education. Her goal is to develop curriculums and methodologies that will engage educators and governments to integrate the untold histories of visible minorities within Canadian provincial curriculums.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Budgeting & Reporting
Job Titles:
- Coordinator or Indigenous Affairs & Student Advising