Eleven months ago, the Faculty of Agriculture officially joined the Dalhousie community, starting a new chapter as the university’s 12th faculty.
Today marks another milestone as the campus welcomes its first long-term dean and principal.
David Gray comes to Dalhousie from his most recent role as director of the North Atlantic Fisheries College’s Marine Centre in the Shetland Islands, U.K. Before that, he was at the University of Derby, based at the Devonshire Campus in Buxton, where he served in a dual role — dean and principal — quite similar to the one he’ll have in the Faculty of Agriculture. With a PhD in Zoology from Rhodes University and robust experience as both an administrator and academic, his work has taken him from South Africa to Hong Kong to the U.K., and now he and his family are making Truro their new home.
(He actually has a Truro connection — sort of. One of his earliest academic jobs was as a lecturer at Truro College, part of Exeter University in the U.K.)
In last week’s article, Dr. Gray discussed a bit about himself and the personal experiences that motivate him. Here, he shares some insights into his plans as he takes over the leadership of the university’s newest community.
Learn more: Dr. Gray’s website, Faculty of Agriculture
On what brought him to Truro…
I was well aware of the reputation of the Faculty of Agriculture from its days as Nova Scotia Agricultural College. It was held in very high regard internationally and we kept a close eye on what it was doing when I was at Hartpury College in the U.K. I’ve also gained quite a lot of experience in leading specialist institutions that have merged with larger universities and know what great opportunities this can bring with it . . . I’m obviously also aware of the challenges too. I suppose I’m also incredibly passionate about vocational education and applied research and in working very closely with our key stakeholders and industries that we serve and support. At the end of the day it is about putting our learners at the centre of what we do . . . Dalhousie and the new Faculty of Agriculture believe this too and I want to be a part of that!
On what makes the Faculty of Agriculture unique…
The Faculty of Agriculture is different for a number of reasons but the biggest difference is that our entire campus is our classroom. The grass, trees, gardens and fields are not just there to give our students a pretty environment to work in: they are a fundamental part of our delivery and, as such, need to be managed carefully and effectively. Add to that the additional responsibility of caring for a large number of animals on campus and ensuring that we maintain strong links and dialogue with the industries we are there to serve and support and you can start to see the differences.
On his dual role as faculty dean and campus principal…
I was campus principal and dean of faculty when I was at the University of Derby in Buxton, so I have sat in the chair before and have managed the dual roles. In the early period of the Faculty, the two roles will be very closely aligned as the only Faculty based in Truro is the Faculty of Agriculture . . . but as we develop and evolve there are many opportunities for other Faculties of the university to have a presence on campus, working collaboratively with the Faculty of Agriculture and so the campus principal role starts to change at that point.
On his priorities for Agriculture and Agricultural Campus in the months ahead...
Coming from leading a marine and nautical college I would say “steady the ship.” The Faculty of Agriculture has been through a major change through the merger with the university. This will obviously mean that staff, students and stakeholders may be feeling a bit unsure as to the direction of the Faculty and our vision. I want to ensure that the Faculty is fully aligned with the agricultural industry across the region — that we understand their needs and are delivering the training, education and research they need rather than what we think they need. I’ll also be working hard to ensure that our offer is aligned with and complements the offer of our sister Faculties within the university. We are part of a much larger family now and need to make that work to our advantage and to the benefit of the sectors we serve.
Everywhere I look I see opportunities. I see curriculum which is rooted in the needs of the region, developing skills for the future of the economy. I see a Faculty that will be a crucial economic driver across the Maritime region and a leader in agricultural education, research and knowledge transfer. I see a team of dedicated and highly skilled staff with the same passion and drive as I have to make the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture a renowned centre of specialized excellence.
Things you might not know about him…
• He’s an avid musician; his main instruments are piano and brass (particularly tuba)
• He’s a card-carrying geek: an avid fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who
• He has swum with killer whales and great white sharks
• He’s a judo enthusiast, holding a 1st Kyu (the top brown belt)
• He’s Cornish, and will often wear the Cornish tartan and kilt on formal occasions
Learn more about Dr. Gray and read more Q&As with him on the Faculty of Agriculture’s website.