On June 4, Dennis Flood '80, Chair of the StFX Board of Governors, announced that Dr. Andy Hakin has accepted the Board of Governor's offer to extend his term until June 30, 2031, as the 19th President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Francis Xavier University.
"We are thrilled to have Andy continue to lead our institution," says Mr. Flood. "His demonstrated leadership coupled with his thorough vision to advance StFX's mission is exactly what students, and our communities are longing for in this modern age."
"On both a personal and professional level, leading this amazing institution has been a tremendously rewarding experience," said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin. "I am honoured to serve an exceptional university that delivers on a promise of a high-quality, experiential education set in an immersive, personalized environment. I truly believe it is the best way to learn.
"StFX is an outstanding institution. I look forward to continuing my relationships with students, faculty and staff, alumni, as well as the broader community."
During his term, Dr. Hakin safely and successfully led StFX through the global pandemic -- one of only a few universities in Canada that held classes in-person.
In 2023, he introduced StFX's five-year strategic plan "Building Our University The Way It Is Meant To Be" wrapping the path forward around the core values of being academically driven, EDIA and community-focused, responsive, and sustainable. He introduced initiatives such as the President's Action Committee on Anti-Racism, tasked with moving beyond identifying problems to crafting a solution-focused action plan to advance equity and anti-racism across campus. He continues to lead new initiatives such as the creation of the Victor and Mona Dahdelah Institute for Innovation in Health, designed to address the shifting health needs of rural Nova Scotians through collaborative and community-responsive teaching, learning, and research. Dr. Hakin has also been instrumental in developing strong working relationships with the leadership and people of the Town and County of Antigonish, appreciating that StFX plays such an integral role to the success of the community, and vice-versa.
These are only a few of Dr. Hakin's contributions to StFX.
The approved re-appointment by the board follows the completion of a comprehensive review by the Board's Presidential Review Committee. The Committee represents students, faculty, staff, and community members.
"We are very fortunate and proud to have Andy, and his wife, Linda, as members of the StFX family. We look forward to working with them in the years ahead," says Mr. Flood.
