COUNCIL OF NOVA SCOTIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS
David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-chancellor, Cape Breton University, appointed Chair, Council of CONSUP

David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-chancellor, Cape Breton University, has been appointed by his colleagues as Chair, Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP) for a two-year term.

Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor, Saint Mary's University, was appointed CONSUP's Vice-chair, also for a two-year term.

Upon his appointment, Mr. Dingwall confirmed with his colleagues that CONSUP must remain steadfast in its commitment to promoting inter-institutional collaboration, cooperation, and partnership, leading to greater student success and improved operational efficiency.

"Ensuring we maintain high quality, nationally and internationally competitive universities is important to provincial success," said Mr. Dingwall, adding that "as public institutions, our universities have an important role to play in helping the Nova Scotia government achieve its objectives to improve healthcare delivery; drive population growth and stimulate economic prosperity across Nova Scotia."

A September poll conducted by Narrative Research on behalf of CONSUP, indicated that Nova Scotians overwhelmingly support a diverse Nova Scotia university sector as important to

• Meeting the educational needs of Nova Scotians (96%)
• Meeting the needs of businesses, industry, and communities (92%)
• Attracting retaining young people to communities across NS (91%)
• Helping create a diversified provincial economy (89%)
• Making NS a national and international education destination (87%)

Mr. Dingwall added that, "Nova Scotia's universities growing success internationally is attributable to a reputation for high quality education, a unique student experience and offering safe, secure campuses in welcoming communities."

There are currently about 12,000 international students studying at Nova Scotia's universities, representing a year-over-year increase of 14.5% (+1,506 students).

CONSUP is an advocacy organization that represents the interests of the province's ten universities.