Presidents of AV��ֲ�

Learn about Dal's presidents, past and present, and how they contribute to the university's story.

Today's president

Dr. Kim Brooks began her five-year term as AV��ֲ�'s 13th President and Vice-Chancellor in August 2023.

She previously served as Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic, Dean of the Schulich School of Law from 2010-15, and as Dean of the Faculty of Management from 2020-22. 

Get to know our current president

A photo of Kim Brooks standing in front of a window

Dr. Deep Saini, 2020–2022

Dr. Saini’s tenure began at the start of 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. In the months that followed, Dr. Saini ably guided AV��ֲ� through the uncharted, challenging waters of remote work and learning. Dr. Saini provided renewed vision through his leadership, helping launch AV��ֲ�'s Third Century Promise strategic plan in 2021.

Dr. Richard Florizone, 2013–2018

Under Dr. Florizone's leadership, AV��ֲ� reached new heights in enrolment, research income and fundraising; strengthened academic programs and AV��ֲ�'s physical campus; advanced research and innovation of vital importance to the region and the world; and made real progress in creating a AV��ֲ� where all truly belong.

Dr. Tom Traves, 1995–2013

As president, Dr. Traves oversaw mergers with the Technical University of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, and spearheaded the $280 million Bold Ambitions Fundraising campaign. Dr. Traves also presided over a significant reshaping of campus, including the addition of new buildings and student spaces.

Dr. Howard C. Clark, 1986–1995

Born in New Zealand; taught chemistry and held administrative posts at the Universities of Western Ontario, British Columbia, Auckland, and Guelph. While at Guelph he held a position as vice-president.

Dr. William Andrew MacKay, 1980–1986

Born in Halifax; former law professor, Dean of Law, and vice-president at AV��ֲ�; first law professor and former law school administrator and the fourth AV��ֲ� graduate to become president; former Ombudsman of Nova Scotia. Dr. MacKay went on to become a judge of the Federal Court of Canada.

A black and white photograph of Andrew W. MacKay, standing by a bookshelf

Dr. Henry Davies Hicks, 1963–1980

A Rhodes Scholar, lawyer, politician, Premier and first Minister of Education of Nova Scotia in the 1950s, he is the only AV��ֲ� president (to date) to become a Senator of Canada.

A black and white photograph of Henry D. Hicks

Dr. Alexander Enoch Kerr, 1945–1963

Kerr was the second AV��ֲ� graduate to become president. Born in Louisbourg, he was the third Presbyterian minister, and principal of Pine Hill Divinity Hall (1939 to 1945).

A black and white photograph of Alexander Enoch Kerr

Dr. Carleton Wellesley Stanley, 1931–1945

A University of Toronto and Oxford graduate, he taught English at Toronto and Greek at McGill. He was also a Canadian correspondent of the Manchester Guardian (1913 to 1916).

An old sepia tone photograph of Carleton Wellesley Stanley

Dr. Arthur Stanley MacKenzie, 1911–1931

The first non-cleric and a AV��ֲ� graduate of 1885, he taught physics at Johns Hopkins University and AV��ֲ� (1905-1910).

An old black and white photograph of Arthur Stanley MacKenzie

Rev. John Forrest; 1885–1911

Known as “Lord John,” he was the first George Munro professor of history and political economy, joining AV��ֲ� in 1880.

Rev. James Ross, 1863–1885

After previous president Dr. McCulloch’s death in 1843, AV��ֲ� closed its doors for 20 years. When it reopened, Rev. James Ross took on the role. A pupil of McCulloch’s at Pictou, Ross was also a Presbyterian minister. He joined AV��ֲ� as a professor; under his presidency, women were admitted to the university.

Rev. Thomas McCulloch, 1838–1843

Although AV��ֲ� was established in 1818 by George Ramsay, the ninth Earl of AV��ֲ�, it did not function as a college until 20 years later.

The first president was Rev. Thomas McCulloch, whose term was from 1838 to 1843. He was a graduate of Glasgow University; a Scottish divine (Presbyterian); founder of Pictou Academy; and taught logic, Greek, political economy and natural philosophy.

A black and white photo of Thomas McCulloch

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