Today@Dal

The University of King’s College is delighted to announce that the Honourable Kevin Lynch, PC, OC, vice-chair of the BMO Financial Group, became the college’s 14th chancellor on 1 July 2013. The Honourable Michael A. Meighen, QC, steps down after 12 years in the role as head of our community.

Born and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Dr. Lynch holds a BA from Mount Allison University, a master’s degree in economics from the University of Manchester, and a doctorate in economics from McMaster University. He began his career in 1976 as an economist with the Bank of Canada and held many positions in the Government of Canada, including deputy minister of Finance and deputy minister of Industry. In 2006 he was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet, and Head of the Public Service of Canada.

Dr. Lynch also served as executive director of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC. In 2010 he was appointed vice chair of BMO Financial Group. He also serves on many boards of governors and currently chairs the board of governors at the University of Waterloo and the Ditchley Foundation of Canada. Dr. Lynch holds seven honorary doctor of laws degrees from the following universities: University of Victoria (2010), McMaster University (2010), University of Alberta (2009), University of Saskatchewan (2009), Queen's University (2008), Mount Allison University (2008), and Cape Breton University (2007).

“King’s has benefited greatly from Michael Meighen’s distinguished tenure as chancellor,” says King’s president Dr. George Cooper.  “He has been an exceptional public face for our university and King’s has gained in profile and support as a result. As Michael’s fine work in this role concludes, he joins us in welcoming Kevin Lynch to the community. Dr. Lynch will bring to King’s not only his wide experience in both public and business life, but also his strong commitment to higher education in Canada. Throughout his time as a senior public servant, Dr. Lynch championed the role of Canadian universities in fulfilling both the intellectual and the economic success of Canada in a competitive world. We look forward to welcoming him into our community.

“The University of King’s College is an extraordinary Canadian institution and a jewel in the rich educational fabric of Nova Scotia,” says Dr. Lynch. “I am honoured and excited to be part of such a unique community.”

Reflecting on his time as chancellor, Michael Meighen says: “I have greatly enjoyed my 12 years as chancellor of King’s, which is a wonderfully close-knit and collegial community. I am delighted that King’s has attracted to the role someone with such exceptional qualifications and experience as Kevin Lynch.”

Dr. Lynch will be installed as chancellor in the autumn of 2013.