Mount Allison University has found a new interim president and vice-chancellor in a former professor and dean from the University of New Brunswick in Saint John (UNBSJ).
Officials said Mount A alumnus Dr. Robert MacKinnon returns to the university after a 32-year career in academia and university administration, including 20 years at UNBSJ as a geography professor, dean of arts and vice president.
Board of Regents Chair George Cooper said in a news release that MacKinnon holds “integral knowledge” of the post-secondary education landscape in New Brunswick.
“His academic and research experience, combined with his experience in academic innovation … make him the ideal choice for this integral role at Mount Allison,” he said in the release.
Cooper said MacKinnon will occupy the role until Mount A names its 16th president and vice-chancellor. He replaces Dr. Jean-Paul Boudreau, who had been appointed to a five-year term as president and vice-chancellor in 2018.
“I am grateful to be returning to where it all started for me,” said MacKinnon in the release.
“I look forward to joining the community during the energy and excitement of a new academic year, and listening and learning more about the needs and aspirations of the university moving forward.”
MacKinnon begins his role on Sept. 1.