Saint Mary’s University announces Dr. Michael Khan as the next President and Vice-Chancellor

Saint Mary’s University announces the appointment of Dr. Michael Khan as its next President and Vice-Chancellor, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Khan will join Saint Mary’s from Trent University, where he currently serves as Provost and Vice-President Academic. 

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Khan as the 35th President of Saint Mary’s University,” said Chair, Board of Governors, Alan R. Abraham Jr. BComm'80. “Dr. Khan’s extensive experience in academic leadership, his innovative approach to education, and his commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse communities make him an ideal fit for our university. We are confident that, under his leadership, Saint Mary’s will continue to achieve excellence.” 

Dr. Khan brings a wealth of experience and a diverse, international perspective to his new role. He has been Provost and Vice-President Academic at Trent since 2020. Dr. Khan’s distinguished career includes his tenure as Dean of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor, where he oversaw the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics & Recreational Services. Prior to this, he was the Head of the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University in Wales, U.K. 

Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Khan’s multicultural heritage and international experiences have shaped his approach to academic leadership.  

“I am deeply honoured and delighted to join Saint Mary’s University as President and Vice-Chancellor, said Dr. Michael Khan. “Saint Mary’s is celebrated both nationally and internationally for its excellence in research, teaching and community engagement. The university’s values align closely with my own. I am committed to supporting students in realizing their goals and aspirations.”  

Dr. Khan’s extensive experience spans academic and administrative leadership, strategic enrollment management, fundraising, and creative partnerships. As Provost at Trent University, Dr. Khan has spearheaded the development of an integrative academic plan that led to the creation of numerous new undergraduate and graduate programs, postgraduate certificates, and co-op opportunities. At Bangor University, he fostered partnerships in the public and private sectors by establishing innovative, high-impact research groups. In Windsor, he led the creation of the Lancer Sport and Recreation Centre Project, a $73 million sport and recreation facility for the university and its community, and actively promoted links with healthcare and sport organizations, school boards, businesses, and charities. 

With a research background in cognitive processes underlying movement control and learning, Dr. Khan’s work focuses on the visual control of manual movements. He is also a former elite athlete with over 25 years of coaching experience and has a keen interest in talent identification and expertise development. Dr. Khan holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from McGill University. 

Saint Mary’s University is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Khan on July 1, 2025, and looks forward to the innovative leadership and international perspective he will bring to the institution. 

Tallest solar-integrated building in North America wins Clean50 Award

Saint Mary’s University: bringing sustainability to life

Saint Mary’s University was honoured at the Clean50 Top Projects Awards, which annually recognizes Canada’s most innovative projects tackling climate change and sustainability.

Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary’s accepts the Clean50 Top Project Award

The Loyola Residence Recladding Project, a 22-storey student residence with an integrated, retrofitted solar exterior wall, was selected for its environmental leadership and innovation. Saint Mary’s is proud to represent the post-secondary sector among leading organizations from across Canada.

"Sustainability is at the heart of Saint Mary’s University and is a key pillar of our strategic plan," said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. "The Clean50 Award reflects our commitment to building a sustainable future. We are thrilled to see our efforts recognized and hope to inspire similar initiatives across Canada. Universities are driving forces of innovation in green energy research and climate action. Through transformative projects such as this one, Saint Mary’s has become a leader and hub for groundbreaking sustainability efforts.”

Setting new standards for sustainable urban infrastructure

Originally built over 50 years ago, the Loyola Residence faced challenges such as heat retention, leaks, and structural issues. Instead of simply replacing worn-out concrete, Saint Mary’s took advantage of the opportunity to do something unique.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar power systems built directly into walls, a roof, or windows, generating electricity from the sun but also acting as part of the building’s structure. Saint Mary’s worked with Toronto-based company Mitrex to install BIPV across the entire south-facing wall.

The Loyola Residence tower BIPV system shown on the right, along with solar panelling on the roof of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub

The retrofit includes work from DSRA Architects, Dillon Consulting, Able Electric, Markland Associates, and BMR Structural Engineering, with construction overseen by EllisDon Corporation and Grey Cardinal Management Inc.

According to Clean50, the project is a model for sustainable urban infrastructure, showcasing how older buildings can be revitalized to meet today’s energy efficiency standards.

Saint Mary’s has installed an interactive energy production display in the Loyola Residence lobby, allowing students and visitors to track solar energy generation in real-time. This display further demonstrates the university’s commitment to education and transparency in sustainability.

An interactive display in the Loyola building shows real-time solar energy information

Carbon footprint cut by 51.7% since 2005

Beyond the Loyola recladding project, Saint Mary’s offers a range of campus spaces and programs that bring sustainability to life. Upcoming initiatives include a green roof on the Patrick Power Library, new roof designs for McNally East and Homburg Centre, and a solar canopy for the science parking lot.

Initiatives already completed include:

• replacing the steam heating plant with a high-efficiency hot water plant;

• switching from oil to natural gas for heating; 

• using compact fluorescent lights; 

• replacing less efficient lights with LED lights; and 

• increases in Nova Scotia Power’s energy blend from renewable sources.   

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 Related reading

• Clean 50 Top Project: Saint Mary’s University Loyola Residence Recladding

• Loyola integrated solar installation wins Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering

• Sustainability at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary's ranked one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities

Saint Mary’s has once again earned a spot as one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities.

Saint Mary's University is the third Best Primarily Undergraduate University in the country, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings. This marks the third year in a row that SMU has achieved this enviable position.

The annual rankings also confirm Saint Mary’s status as the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia, and its Sobey School of Business as one of the top 20 business programs in the country.

“I am extremely proud of our consistent placement in the Maclean’s rankings”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “One reason for our high standing is that faculty and students alike participate on the front line of real-world research and knowledge creation. We take pride in offering these amazing opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students in a supportive community where they thrive.”

Located in the heart of Halifax, Saint Mary’s has been a renowned place of learning and scholarship since 1802, encouraging discovery and innovation across a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, sciences and business.

The university is known for its long history of investing in student support; a point made clear in the rankings, with Saint Mary’s taking second place for scholarships and bursaries and tying for second place in student awards.   

Saint Mary’s continues to advance student life on campus. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a four-storey, 43,000-square-foot building designed to foster student entrepreneurship and innovation opened in Fall 2023, and the new space for SMU Engineering, a 28,000-square-foot building with specially designed labs and project rooms, opened in Fall, 2024.  

The university’s research activity and calibre are also gaining recognition, with Saint Mary’s ranking fourth in medical/science grants and fifth in total research dollars. Saint Mary’s is now Nova Scotia's second-largest research university by research income.

Saint Mary’s is also listed as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities; in the undergraduate institution category, we ranked 1st in Atlantic Canada and 16th in the country. 

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Interested in seeing what Saint Mary’s can offer?

Attend our Open House on October 26, 2024! Visit the Future Students page for more information.

Saint Mary’s University to welcome young scholars as new Shad Canada partner

High school students from across Canada can now apply for a distinct summer academic experience at Saint Mary’s University thanks to a new partnership with Shad Canada. As a Shad campus, Saint Mary’s will host Shad’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11.

“Every summer, more than 1,500 students come to Shad to discover new areas of study, access post-secondary academics, business and community leaders, and reach new heights of personal development,” said Tim Jackson, Shad Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to have Saint Mary’s join the team to deliver an incredible program steeped in entrepreneurship, research and international collaborations.”

Shad students collaborate for 27 days to design solutions to real-world problems such as food security, water management, or waste. Saint Mary’s hands-on approach to these challenges, combined with its robust business, science, mathematics, and arts programs, will provide a solid foundation for supporting students in their Shad design challenge.

“Shad Canada’s focus on entrepreneurship and community-building aligns with Saint Mary’s strategic priorities,” said Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “We are thrilled to partner with Shad and welcome young scholars from across Canada to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.”

Students from across Canada apply to participate in Shad programs. Once selected, students are paired with a university away from their home community and live on campus for the duration of the program. To learn more about Shad or to apply for the 2025 program, please click here.

For more information about the Shad Saint Mary’s program, contact Laura.Stiles-Clarke@smu.shad.ca.

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About Shad Canada

Shad Canada is a STEAM and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11. During the month-long program, students live on campus and participate in a real-world design challenge that prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad’s program is transformational and life-changing, and many Shad alumni go on to innovate and start their own businesses. Shad has 26 campus partners, a network of more than 23,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980. Learn more at shad.ca.

VIDEO: A holiday message from our president

Learn more about Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

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It’s a good time of year to give. Please consider a gift supporting Saint Mary’s and our students.

President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)

Halifax, N.S. – Dr. Robert (Rob) Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S., has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

Dr. Summerby-Murray will serve a two-year term as Chair, effective immediately.

In addition to Dr. Summerby-Murray, AAU Council (Presidents) appointed the following to the AAU Executive Committee:

• Dr. Denis Prud’homme, Recteur, Université de Moncton, Vice-chair 

• Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President, University of New Brunswick

• Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President, University of Prince Edward Island

• Dr. Neil Bose, President Pro Tempore, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Dr. Andy Hakin, President, St. Francis Xavier University

• Dr. Peggy Shannon, President, NSCAD University

Upon his appointment, Dr. Summerby-Murray, noted that the core values of the region’s universities are centred upon research and innovation, student success, social mobility, community engagement, leadership, and accountability.

“These core values are central to the contribution of strong public universities to regional prosperity and social and cultural development,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.

“Ensuring our campuses are innovative, accessible, safe, secure and welcoming to all students is fundamental to making Atlantic Canada an education destination, locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. An important continuing agenda item for the AAU will be the fostering of its positive working relationship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the efficient processing of international student visa applicants accepted by our universities and to ensure alignment between immigration policies and the social and economic growth aspirations of Atlantic Canada.

“Universities play a significant role in regional population growth by attracting, educating, and helping retain international students in communities across Atlantic Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively with our provincial and municipal governments to create affordable student housing on and off campus as well as reliable and efficient public transit systems,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.

He also noted that, “our university leaders know that improving access to healthcare is a top priority for Atlantic Canadians. In addition to graduating thousands of students annually who have been educated and trained to work in all aspects of healthcare delivery, our institutions are also focused on promoting healthy and active lifestyles among our students, values that will remain with them, their families, and communities in which they reside into the future.” 

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic, cultural and social prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.

$25 million landmark investment in Saint Mary’s University

The Honourable Brian Wong, Minster of Minister of Advanced Education, at the podium.

Brian Wong talking to students and others at the funding announcement event.

The crowd at the funding announcement.

The Honourable Brian Wong, Minster of Minister of Advanced Education, and the Honourable Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, with Associate Professor Michael Zhang and a group of Master of Business Analytics students.

Loyola Conference Hall was overflowing with excitement on March 8 with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends celebrating the news of a $25 million investment in the university.  

Announced by the Honorable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, Saint Mary's University is the recipient of a $25 million investment from the Province of Nova Scotia to expand its programs, research and capacity in healthcare data analytics, management, and leadership, with a focus on creating solutions to improve the province’s healthcare system.   

"I want to thank Premier Tim Houston, Minister Wong, and the provincial government for putting their faith in Saint Mary's University and our ability to improve the health and well-being of Nova Scotians through our excellence in data analytics, health research and professional development expertise," says Alan R. Abraham, Jr. BComm'80, Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.  

The $25 million investment marks the most significant single government investment in the history of Saint Mary's University. 

"Thank you to all the faculty, students, and staff who joined us on Wednesday for this landmark announcement," says Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice-President of Advancement and External Affairs. "Your support and excitement made this event a resounding success."  

This investment will support the university’s capacity to expand and grow and will include, but not be limited to:   

• expanding health data analytics programming and research at Saint Mary's. This will support hiring additional faculty members and researchers and creating the right spaces to support growth in our student population and research activity. This includes investments in technology to support teaching, learning and research; 

• developing management and leadership programming for healthcare professionals. This programming would target healthcare administrators, family doctors, and office directors. Delivery could take several forms, including micro-credentials, diplomas, certificates, and executive professional development; and 

• expanding the articulation agreements with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). This will create and promote new pathways between the healthcare programs at NSCC and undergraduate degree programs at Saint Mary’s University.  

“Community is at the heart of all that we do at Saint Mary’s University,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Expanding our focus to support a vital component of any great community, its health and well-being is an excellent part of the solution to improving healthcare in Nova Scotia.”   

This tremendous investment recognizes Saint Mary’s strength in interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with community. Saint Mary’s students have world-class opportunities while benefiting from exceptional student-faculty relationships. Here, ideas and possibilities from diverse and varying perspectives are nurtured and explored. New pathways, breakthroughs and careers emerge.  

Watch for more news and ways to get involved in maximizing the impact of this opportunity for Saint Mary’s, for our students and faculty and for all Nova Scotians. 

Watch clips from the announcement on March 8, 2023

VIDEO: A holiday message from our president

Please enjoy this short video that reflects all that Saint Mary’s has accomplished this year. If so inspired, please share with your networks by using the Share function above.

Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday!

Cookies & Cocoa in the Quad

An annual holiday tradition has been forged at Saint Mary’s! For the second year in a row, President Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Isobel Tyler, in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Services Student Success Centre, hosted Cookies & Cocoa in the Quad. 

Armed with cocoa, coffee, cookies and candy canes, the presidents served up treats and holiday cheer to students from a quaint wood cocoa stand. Despite the cold, drizzly weather, more than 200 students came out to chat with the presidents and enjoy a pick-me-up as they prepared for final exams to close out the fall term.

President Robert Summerby-Murray awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal

Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc and Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to share the news that President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for ‘exceptional qualities and outstanding service to our Province in the field of Education.’    

The award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, at a ceremony held at Government House on October 18, 2022. The commemorative medal is presented in honour of the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s succession to the throne and is awarded to residents of Nova Scotia who have made significant contributions to Canada, Nova Scotia, their community, or to their fellow citizens.  

Throughout his decades-long career and since joining Saint Mary’s University as President in 2015, Dr. Summerby-Murray has been a noted champion of higher education in Canada and abroad. He is active on the boards of Universities Canada, the Association of Atlantic Universities, the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents, Atlantic University Sports, and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation Presidents’ Cohort Group on ‘Universities and Social Infrastructure’. Recently, he has focused on initiatives to support veteran-friendly campuses and to prevent racism on campus through participation in national initiatives such as the BlackNorth Initiative education committee and the Scarborough National Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Inclusion. He has just completed a two-year term as board chair of the Canadian Bureau of International Education and remains committed to international education and the global nature of the academy. 

The entire Saint Mary’s University community joins with Dr. Summerby-Murray and his family in celebrating his contributions to education and community and this well-deserved recognition.  

Saint Mary’s University Signs Charter on Black Inclusion and Fighting Anti-Black Racism

Members of the President's Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism (L-R): Dr. Ehab Elsharkawi, Franklyn Southwell, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Brady Paul, Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, Natalia Storr, Deborah Brothers-Scott, Raymond Sewell

Action towards equity and diversity

Saint Mary's University has signed onto the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion In Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities.  

Deborah Brothers-Scott, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, and Dr. Rohini Bannerjee

Created with input and collaboration from students, faculty, staff, relevant organizations and Black political and civic leaders, the charter reflects the post-secondary sector's shared recognition of the realities of anti-Black racism. It provides a concrete path forward to address these and create a more inclusive future. The charter follows four overarching principles: black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability.  

"The President's Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism took a unique, deliberate and thoughtful approach to our signing and support of the Scarborough Charter," says Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness at Saint Mary's University and Chair of the committee. "We consulted with various areas of the university, such as the Saint Mary's University Students' Association, Student Affairs and Services, People and Culture and faculty. The charter was presented to the university's senate and has been endorsed by the board of governors."  
 
Saint Mary's has already begun to implement some of the following actions, with all expected to be complete within the next year. The university:  

• has appointed Dr. Rohini Bannerjee as the Associate Vice-President, Diversity Excellence, with responsibility and accountability for diversity excellence, to work with the Associate Vice-President of People and Culture and the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness, to add focus on academic elements

• will establish a Black Caucus consisting of Black faculty and staff

• will utilize disaggregated data to make data informed decisions on Black representation and inclusion

• will develop and implement a diversity excellence cohort hiring strategy to increase and retain Black and Indigenous faculty and staff

The President’s Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism played an instrumental role in reviewing the charter in association with the Anti-Racism Action Plan. The committee includes:  

• Deborah Brothers-Scott, Chair (Director, Diversity Inclusion and Wellness)

• Dr. Robert Summerby Murray (President and Vice-Chancellor)

• Tom Brophy (Senior Director of Student Affairs & Services)

• Raymond Sewell (Faculty of Arts)

• Dr. Naja Attig (Sobey School of Business)

• Dr. Ehab Elsharkawi (Faculty of Science)

• Dr. Tatjana Takseva (Faculty of Arts and Chairperson, Saint Mary’s University Academic Senate)

• Dr. Rohini Bannerjee (AVP Diversity Excellence)

• Franklyn Southwell (President, SMUSA)

• Kyle Cook (Vice President - Academic & Advocacy, SMUSA)

• Brady Paul (Indigenous Student Advisor)

• Natalia Storr (Student/Alumni representative)

Download the Charter

The consultative approach that the university's committee took was applauded by Dr. Adelle Blackett, Canada Research Chair at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, who was the principal drafter of the charter. 

"As a member of the Inter-Institutional Advisory Committee members for the national dialogues, I am proud that Saint Mary's University has signed onto the Scarborough Charter," says Saint Mary's President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "As an institution, we are committed to systemic change, change we will see through this charter."  

Work on the Charter began in October 2020, when universities, colleges and other partners came together in conversation on how to meaningfully address anti-Black racism and Black inclusion. From there, the Inter-Institutional Advisory Committee (IIAC) for the National Dialogues and Action began drafting the charter, drawing from the input received from members of the community and sector. Further consultations on the drafted charter took place from March to June 2021, in which partners from Canadian universities and colleges took part in shaping the principles, actions and accountability measures contained within. 

Signatories of the Scarborough Charter are following through on the promises made by universities and colleges in the summer of 2020 and by partner institutions at the October 2020 National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities. Signatories are committing to meaningful, concrete action to address anti-Black racism and to promote Black inclusion.

Related

• Media release: Saint Mary’s joins universities nationwide to take action on anti-Black racism 

• Dr. Rohini Bannerjee appointed as Associate Vice-President, Diversity Excellence at Saint Mary’s University 

• About the Scarborough Charter  

• Download a copy of the Charter  

Message from the President in support of Ukraine

Speaking on behalf of Saint Mary’s University, I want to express my deep concern with the hostile incursion taking place in Ukraine and its impact on the Ukrainian people. As a university with strong international ties, and as scientists, humanists and scholars, we unite with the international community in calling for peace and an immediate end to the invasion. Saint Mary’s University stands with the people of Ukraine and the many members of the Ukrainian Community here in Canada.

We recognize that students, faculty, and staff may be affected by the conflict and want to remind our community that the university has a range of resources in place:

Students can access mental health supports including free confidential 1-1 counselling, through the Saint Mary’s University Counselling Centre. International students can also access supports through the International Student Centre.

Students seeking phone- or text-based mental health support services can contact Good2Talk by calling 1-833-292-3698 or texting Good2TalkNS to 686868.

Staff may access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

Faculty and Professional Librarians should contact the Union Office at unionoffice@smufu.org or 902 496 8090 to determine options available for counselling.

Rob Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor