Ian Sutherland has been president and vice-chancellor of Mount Allison University since mid-July, but as of last Friday, he’s been officially installed in the position, in a ceremony at Convocation Hall.
Sutherland comes to Mount A from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he served as vice-president responsible for the school’s Grenfell Campus in Cornerbrook. Before that he served as Dean of MUN’s school of music, and as associate dean in research at a school in Slovenia.
The new president stopped by CHMA studios this week (along with Mt A communications team members Uwana Essien and Alex Montana) to talk about his installation ceremony, the university’s upcoming strategic planning process, how declining international student quotas and public funding challenges are impacting the school, and the latest on Mount Allison’s massive library renovation project. He also talks about his view on the “mission” of universities: “We exist to make the world a better place,” says Sutherland.
‘Mount Allison, so fair’
The stage at Convocation Hall was packed last Friday with dignitaries including outgoing Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy, Mount Allison chancellor Lynn Loewen, Elsipogtog elder Donna Augustine, and Post Secondary Education Minister Alyson Townsend, among others. There were also faculty representatives, who performed poetry and music (including a rousing rendition of Mount Allison’s Alma Mater song, by Vicki St. Pierre.)
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a warm and welcoming speech served up by veteran journalist, Sackville ex-pat, and Mount Allison alumnus Ian Hanomansing. Here’s Mount Allison Board of Regents Chair Cheryl Hodder, introducing Hanomansing:
Sutherland was bestowed his new garnet and gold robes of office by his fellow administration team, and then took the mic for his own address, which included a long list of thank yous, with a special heartfelt one reserved for his husband, Jernej:
