When Dr. Michael Khan arrived at Saint Mary's University this summer, he and his wife, Martha, did something few university presidents might consider – they moved into residence. For three weeks, they lived on campus, meeting students, faculty and staff in hallways, and absorbing the pulse of the university firsthand.

That experience, he says, immediately affirmed what he had sensed even before his arrival – that Saint Mary's is a community defined by belonging. Everywhere he went, he met students from around the world who felt not only welcomed but deeply connected to the university. Having come to Canada years ago as an international student from Trinidad and Tobago, that global diversity struck a personal chord, and that sense of belonging, he added, is at the heart of what makes Saint Mary's special.

"People have a certain passion and pride about Saint Mary's that is different," he said. "It's people's commitment to the university and our students. I've seen professors go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our students have a unique experience."

For Dr. Khan, that community spirit was a major reason for accepting the role as the 35th President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's. Early in his career, he never envisioned becoming a university president – his first love was research, teaching and coaching. However, as his career evolved, he discovered that leadership could be a way to make a broader impact. He saw his background in teaching and coaching as fundamental to building successful teams and enabling others to go beyond their expectations.

"I really saw an opportunity to make a difference. Whatever I embarked upon, my personal and professional values had to align with those of the university. And certainly, when it comes to Saint Mary's, my values align perfectly when it comes to providing a research-driven education, one that is also interdisciplinary and one that values an experience both in and out of the classroom."

Leading with purpose

Since taking office, Dr. Khan has been clear about his top priority: preparing students not only to succeed academically, but also to thrive in life.

"My first priority here is to prepare students for success. And when I say success, I mean not only finishing their degrees, not just landing that first job, but really preparing them for a career and lifelong success."

He describes three key pillars for achieving that. The first is a research-driven education, where curiosity and discovery lead the way. "Research drives what we do in the classroom, but also drives what we do in the community," he explained. The second is a liberal arts and science foundation, encouraging graduates "to think outside the box, think across disciplines." And the third is experiential learning, including opportunities in athletics, recreation, the performing arts and co-op programs that help students build leadership, teamwork and resilience. "Those activities and experiences develop people for the future and help them learn from both success and failure in the ultimate pursuit of their goals."

Strengthening the university for the future

Dr. Khan also brings a pragmatic understanding of the realities facing universities today. Like many institutions, Saint Mary's must find ways to remain financially strong while protecting what makes it unique. "There's no doubt that universities are seeing challenges in terms of their financial health. We need to get Saint Mary's in a position whereby we're generating revenue to reinvest back into that student experience."

That means finding smart ways to grow. For example, he hopes to see the continued expansion of interdisciplinary programs and the introduction of new professional certificates that combine classroom and workplace learning.

At the same time, he's eager to strengthen research and community partnerships. Saint Mary's, he said, already boasts "a lot of very exciting research centres" tackling local and global challenges, from sustainability to health and social justice. His goal is to connect those efforts more intentionally across disciplines.

"What we have to do is develop what I call a cluster-oriented approach," he explained. "Take research expertise from different disciplines and combine them under strategic groupings that help us to differentiate and distinguish Saint Mary's from other academic institutions."

For Dr. Khan, Saint Mary's alumni play an essential role in that vision. He has been inspired by the graduates he's already met, including many who attribute their success to their time at SMU. "We need to get our alumni telling their stories about the value of a Saint Mary's education because they've lived it. In my opinion, there's nobody better to tell that story." He also sees alumni as active partners in shaping what comes next. Beyond serving as ambassadors, he hopes more graduates will share their time and expertise with today's students through mentorship and professional connections.

Passion and perspective

Throughout his life, Dr. Khan has been guided by a simple philosophy: help people discover what they're truly capable of. He encourages students to follow their passions, rather than what seems practical, because that's where they'll find success.

"As an educator, I've always felt very passionate about encouraging students to explore their passion, go after an area they're talented in. I believe that's what Saint Mary's is about – getting our students to dream big, to explore what's possible and to bring people together to make that happen."

That belief is reflected in how he leads – with optimism, curiosity and a focus on people. "It's our people that really drive what we do. Our professors drive the research, the classroom experience and the community partnerships. To me, the number one priority for any university is to make sure you have the right people and develop them."

A World Without Limits

As he looks ahead, Dr. Khan says that Saint Mary's tagline, World Without Limits, captures both the university's identity and its future.

"I wouldn't change our tagline for anything. It's about dreaming big, getting our students to think beyond and bringing people together to do that. When we bring people together, it's not an additive effect; it's a multiplier effect. And once you do that, anything is possible."

That belief – in people, possibility and the power of community – is what guides Dr. Khan's vision for the coming years. Under his leadership, Saint Mary's is entering a new era of growth and innovation, one that builds on its proud traditions while boldly redefining what's possible for its students, professors and alumni in a World Without Limits.

Expanding the view

When a Dean of Arts position opened at the University of Regina in 2020, Dr. Dea jumped at the opportunity. She quickly came to love the prairie landscape and the collaboration that came with a university-wide view. “It was so satisfying to have the whole university in view, as opposed to only one portion of it.” That experience sparked an interest in even broader leadership. Dr. Dea began exploring Provost roles, with one key condition: she would only consider universities in cities she already loved and could imagine calling home.

Halifax topped the list. Having visited Nova Scotia many times for conferences, she was already familiar with the province’s beauty and warmth. When Saint Mary’s created a new Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research (PVPAR) position, Dr. Dea threw her hat in the ring, was the successful candidate and began her new role in July 2025.

Four months in, one thing already stands out: the exceptional quality of Saint Mary’s students. “I’ve been affiliated with five universities now and I don't think I've ever seen a student body that is as high-performing, as happy and as connected with their university.”

A life of learning and leadership

The new PVPAR position bridges the university’s business operations with its academic mission, and Dr. Dea is stepping into it at a pivotal moment. Her top priority is boosting enrollment amid new federal caps that limit the number of international students Canadian universities can admit.

Even as she tackles these challenges, Dr. Dea brings a deeply personal set of values to the Provost’s office. At the heart of her leadership is a commitment to truth and reconciliation, already reflected in the work she has begun with Nova Scotia’s Indigenous communities.

She’s also a steadfast advocate for academic freedom, a principle she’s long defended. Since 2017, Dr. Dea has focused much of her scholarly work on the importance of universities operating independently of government, donors and corporations.

“There are global challenges to universities right now, and we are beginning to see more and more government intervention and more threats to academic freedom. I’m grateful to be in a leadership position so that I can try and defend the ideals of free and unfettered scholarship.”

Anchored in curiosity

In her own words, it’s an “exciting and challenging time,” and there’s more than enough to keep her busy during work hours. Thankfully, the beauty of Nova Scotia offers a welcome balance. She’s been exploring the beaches, small towns and local food markets of her new home, and has even bought a couple of sea kayaks.

“I’m not sure if I’ll ever stop acting like a tourist,” she laughed, “but I'm finally at the point where I can go to a restaurant and not order chowder!”

When Angela Rafuse BComm’16 first stepped onto Saint Mary’s University’s campus, she immediately felt at home.

“I grew up on the South Shore. I’m very proud to be from Chester,” she said. “I loved that everything was in one city block. For a small-town girl who hadn’t spent much time in Halifax, it felt safe and close-knit.”

She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Global Business Management, carrying with her not only her degree, but a network of lifelong friends. “The friendships I made at SMU are everything. I’ve gone to their weddings. I’m now an aunt to their children. When I started My Grandfather’s Cat, I reached out to a lot of my friends from SMU.” These connections helped shape her not-for-profit in more ways than one, including web development, accounting and even establishing a board of directors.

“My friends and I still wear our SMU rings whenever we go out. I’m very proud to have gone there.”

The cat that started it all

After university, Angela’s career took her to Toronto, where she was working in marketing and communications for the Salvation Army’s national team. She loved the fast-paced learning and the sense of purpose that comes with working in not-for-profit organizations. Then, life changed with one phone call: her beloved grandfather passed away.

Her first thought wasn’t about logistics. It was about his cat, Mackenzie.

“She was 14, grumpy and didn’t like anyone except my grandparents,” she said, smiling. “My grandfather had even put money aside for her care. I just couldn’t imagine her going to a shelter.”

Determined to help, Angela told her parents she’d take Mackenzie, even if it meant flying her to Toronto. As fate would have it, just two weeks later, she was offered a position with the organization’s Maritime division, bringing her back home to Nova Scotia. “It felt like a sign.”

Then came the pandemic. With lockdowns in place and work shifting online, Angela and Mackenzie found themselves spending every day together. “Out of boredom, I started making TikToks,” she laughed. “I didn’t realize how it worked, that anyone could see them. Suddenly, people were asking, ‘Why did you name your cat Mackenzie?’ and I’d reply, ‘She’s not my cat. She’s my grandfather’s cat.’”

That simple reply sparked something bigger than she could have ever imagined. “People started commenting, saying they’d been through the same thing – a loved one passed away, and they didn’t know what happened to their pet. So I started researching and realized that there wasn’t an organization that helps seniors rehome their pets before they move or pass away. I thought, ‘Why is nobody doing this?’’”

Lessons in leadership

Running My Grandfather's Cat full-time hasn’t been easy. For the first two years, Angela balanced running the charity with her day job. “People say, ‘If you have a dream, quit your job and go for it.’ But you can’t pay rent in dreams. I had to do both. Running a charity full-time was a huge risk, and there wasn’t much money in the bank account, but I shifted my whole skill set to this. I’m thankful it worked, and I’m thankful people believe in it.”

That pragmatic optimism – part humility, part hustle – defines her leadership style. “To me, the entrepreneurial mindset isn’t about quitting everything and hoping for the best. It’s about doing what you love responsibly, trusting your instincts and learning as you go.”

Her advice to young alumni or current students? “Surround yourself with people who believe in you and then stop caring what anyone else thinks. If you have an idea that lights you up, follow that instinct.”

Full-circle moments

Today, Angela’s days are filled with emails, partnerships, adoption stories and a sense of gratitude that the work she does truly matters. And when she puts on her Saint Mary’s ring, she remembers where that belief began.

“Saint Mary’s will always be the first place I believed in myself. The place that taught me that I could do something more.”

When the Burke Building was completed in 1965, it was designed to serve as the long-term home of the University Library. But just ten years later, the space was already considered obsolete – too small to accommodate the library’s growing collection and increasing student population.

The 1960s and early 1970s were a period of unprecedented growth and transformation for the university. Saint Mary’s tripled in size, growing from 834 full-time students in 1965 to 2,444 in 1975. In that same decade, the university became co-educational (1968), with women soon making up more than a third of the student body, and the Catholic Church transferred governance to a secular board (1970).

New academic programs and departments were being launched almost yearly, and the campus itself was evolving quickly. The Student Centre was constructed in 1967, the Science Building in 1968, Huskies Stadium rose to host the Canada Summer Games in 1969 and the Loyola Building opened in 1971. Amid this expansion, the need for a larger, modern library was clear.

Construction on a new facility began in 1974 and was completed in August 1975. The growing collection was transferred from the Burke Building just in time for the start of the 1975-76 academic year. The new library introduced several innovations for its time: a state-of-the-art multimedia centre, expanded shelving for its 300,000-book collection and an early computerized information retrieval system touted as “able to provide instant answers to almost any question.”

For its first year, the building was known simply as the New Library. Then, in June 1976, it was officially named the Patrick Power Library in honour of one of Saint Mary’s most significant benefactors. Patrick Power (1815-1881) was a Halifax merchant and philanthropist born in Kilmacthomas, Ireland. After immigrating to Canada as a young man, he found success in business and served as a Member of Parliament in 1867 and again in 1874. Upon his death, he left a generous bequest to support the establishment of a boys’ college. In 1913, the funds from this endowment were transferred to Saint Mary’s University – helping to shape the institution that would later bear his name.

“With a long-standing reputation for service excellence, this 50th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the Library’s legacy as well as our contributions and commitment to teaching, learning and research,” said Suzanne van den Hoogen BA ’91, Dean of the University Library and Archives.

Fifty years later, the Patrick Power Library remains a vibrant hub for research, study and community engagement. Its collections now include more than 150 research databases, over one million books (both print and electronic) and online access to thousands of journals and periodicals. Together with instructional programs and research services, these resources continue to support the teaching and learning needs of today’s students and faculty.

The building itself has also evolved, with modernized study areas, service desks and accessibility-focused upgrades to study rooms and washrooms – all designed to make the space more welcoming and efficient for users.

“For many of our students, the Library represents more than bricks and mortar,” said van den Hoogen. “It has been and continues to be a safe space where students learn from one another, collaborate with their peers and develop the skills to become lifelong learners. To all our students, faculty and alumni, thank you for being a part of our past, present and future.”

Where will the Patrick Power Library be fifty years from now? With the pace of technological change, no one can say for sure. What remains certain is that the Library, along with its dedicated team of librarians and professional staff, will continue to adapt, evolve and uphold its mission to support the pursuit of knowledge for generations to come.

When healthcare and data meet, the possibilities extend far beyond numbers — they shape the future of how we care for one another. That belief lies at the core of the Graduate Diploma in Health Data Analytics (GDHDA), Saint Mary’s newest graduate offering through the Sobey School of Business, designed for professionals ready to harness data as a force for improved health outcomes.

Launching next fall, the GDHDA is a 12-month, weekend-format graduate diploma designed for working professionals who wish to remain in their current roles while developing advanced analytical and leadership skills. The program responds to a growing need in healthcare: leaders who understand both people and data.

“Healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation,” said Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “This program reflects our commitment to collaboration and innovation, connecting academia, the healthcare sector and our broader community to address real-world challenges that matter to Canadians.”

Developed in partnership with Nova Scotia Health, the GDHDA bridges the expertise of data scientists, healthcare administrators and policy leaders. Students learn to connect analytics to real-world decision-making through courses in data governance, predictive modelling and visualization, all grounded in the ethics of responsible innovation.

Dr. Shannon Dea, Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research, highlights how the diploma aligns with Saint Mary’s University’s broader academic strategy. “Programs like the GDHDA showcase how interdisciplinary education can have direct social and economic impact,” she said. “It gives professionals the tools to translate complex data into knowledge that improves patient care and system performance.”

For Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business, the diploma captures Sobey’s mission in action. “The GDHDA represents what the Sobey School stands for: education that connects business, technology and community impact,” he noted. “It builds capacity in a sector that touches every Canadian and shows how data-driven leadership can improve lives.”

One of the program’s most distinctive features is its pathway to the Master of Business Analytics (MBAN). Students earn graduate credits transferable toward the MBAN, allowing them to continue their studies and deepen their technical and strategic expertise.

For Sobey MBAN alumnus Ryan Campbell, that pathway represents real opportunity. “The MBAN completely changed how I think about data, not just as numbers, but as a language for solving problems,” he said. “For healthcare professionals, the GDHDA offers that same transformation, but through the lens of health and human impact.”

As the first cohort prepares to begin in January 2026, the GDHDA underscores Saint Mary’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation that serves people and communities.

“It’s an investment in leadership that advances both healthcare and society,” said Dr. Khan.

Saint Mary’s invites its alumni, partners and community to help amplify this milestone by sharing the opportunity and championing the program within their networks.

Learn more or apply at smu.ca/gdhda.

This year marks an extraordinary moment for Saint Mary’s athletics, with four major inductions recognizing the achievements, history and impact of standout Huskies teams, athletes and builders. From the ice to the hardwood, Saint Mary’s champions have been honoured at both the Huskies Sports Hall of Fame and the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, highlighting a legacy of excellence that continues to shape the university’s athletic culture.

Three New Inductees Enter the Huskies Sports Hall of Fame

As part of Homecoming Weekend, Saint Mary’s welcomed three exceptional additions to the Huskies Sports Hall of Fame: Marc Rancourt (Athlete), longtime head coach Trevor Stienburg (Builder) and the 2009-10 men’s hockey team – the first Huskies squad to capture a national title.

More than 200 alumni, friends and family gathered on October 4 for the celebration, which also included a Homecoming brunch and ceremonial puck drop before the men’s hockey home opener. With Saint Mary’s preparing to host the 2026 University Cup, the event offered a fitting tribute to the program’s storied history.

1979 Men’s Basketball Team Honoured by Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

Adding to this landmark year, the 1979 Saint Mary’s Huskies men’s basketball team was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. Widely regarded as one of the greatest university teams in Canadian history, the Huskies dominated the 1978-79 season en route to a second consecutive national championship, and their third in seven years.

Led by standout guard Mickey Fox and strengthened by key newcomers Kevin Wood, Percy Davis and first-year talent Jeff Gourlay, the team combined explosive scoring with exceptional depth. Veterans Ross Quackenbush, Tom Kappos, Rick Plato, Ron Blommers and Derrick Lewis anchored a roster that averaged more than 100 points per game and finished with an impressive 17-1 conference record.

At the national championship in Calgary, the Huskies defeated Windsor and York before securing the title with a decisive win over Victoria. Their induction honours a team whose talent, cohesion and championship legacy helped define an era of SMU basketball excellence.

Team members included: Mickey Fox, Kevin Wood, Percy Davis, Ross Quackenbush, Tom Kappos, Rick Plato, Derrick Lewis, Jeff Gourlay, Head Coach Brian Heaney, Assistant Coaches Jim Collins and Willie Follette and Manager John Landry.

Saint Mary’s Homecoming 2025 brought nearly 4,000 alumni, students, staff, faculty and fans back to campus for a dynamic weekend full of energy, connection and Husky spirit. The excitement was amplified with the first Homecoming under our new President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Michael Khan, who personally welcomed attendees and dove into the celebrations.

From October 2-5, more than 20 events offered something for everyone: class reunions, social gatherings, thought-provoking panels and thrilling Huskies games. The weekend celebrated major milestones, including the 50th anniversaries of the Class of 1975 Golden Grads, the Patrick Power Library and the Geography Department. Special recognition was also given to the Classes of 2020 and 2021, our COVID grads, with a dedicated celebration honouring their perseverance and achievements.

One of the standout moments was the Sport Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honouring the 2009-2010 Huskies men’s hockey national champions, including star player Marc Rancourt and head coach Trevor Steinburg. Fans cheered, memories were shared and the legacy of Saint Mary’s athletics was on full display.

From reconnecting with classmates to celebrating achievements, the weekend was a true showcase of Husky pride. Thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered and helped make Homecoming 2025 an unforgettable celebration.

Save the Date for Homecoming 2026: October 1-4, 2026

This year, Saint Mary’s University’s Sobey School of Business proudly marks the 25th anniversary of its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration program – a milestone celebrating a quarter-century of cultivating exceptional business researchers, educators and leaders.

Since its launch in 2000 under the guidance of then-Director K. Kelloway, the PhD program has been dedicated to developing highly skilled researchers equipped to make meaningful contributions to academia, industry and the public sector. Designed to build both deep disciplinary expertise and a nuanced understanding of research contexts, the program has attracted students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, all united by a commitment to advancing knowledge in business administration.

The original program emphasized human resource management and organizational behavior, while also preparing students to pursue research in specialized areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, international business and information management. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes foundational courses in management thought and research paradigms, advanced functional courses tailored to individual research interests, comprehensive examinations, graduate seminars, teaching workshops and the completion of an original doctoral thesis.

Over the past 25 years, the PhD in Business Administration program has evolved to meet the changing needs of the global business landscape. Today, graduates of the program are recognized internationally for their research, holding faculty positions at universities around the world and driving innovation across sectors. The program continues to emphasize rigorous methodological training, interdisciplinary inquiry and impactful scholarship that shapes both theory and practice.

As the program celebrates this milestone, it reflects on a rich history of academic achievement and looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence. With each cohort of PhD candidates, Saint Mary’s strengthens its commitment to developing leaders who will drive research, education and ethical decision-making in business for decades to come.

For more information about the PhD in Business Administration program at Saint Mary’s University, visit smu.ca/sobey/phd.