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Presidents of Dalhousie

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 Dalhousie'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 Dalhousie through the uncharted, challenging waters of remote work and learning. Dr. Saini provided renewed vision through his leadership, helping launch Dalhousie's Third Century Promise strategic plan in 2021.

A photo of Deep Saini delivering a talk

Dr. Richard Florizone, 2013–2018

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

A photo of Richard Florizone

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.

Tom Travers standing at a podium

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. 

An old photograph of Howard Clark

Dr. William Andrew MacKay, 1980–1986

Born in Halifax; former law professor, Dean of Law, and vice-president at Dalhousie; first law professor and former law school administrator and the fourth Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie graduate of 1885, he taught physics at Johns Hopkins University and Dalhousie (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 Dalhousie in 1880.

A sepia tone photograph of John Forrest

Rev. James Ross, 1863–1885

After previous president Dr. McCulloch’s death in 1843, Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie as a professor; under his presidency, women were admitted to the university.

A black and white photo of James Ross

Rev. Thomas McCulloch, 1838–1843

Although Dalhousie was established in 1818 by George Ramsay, the ninth Earl of Dalhousie, 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

More to explore

Timeline History