Dr. Ramona Lumpkin is widely recognized for her many exceptional contributions to Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) as a passionate and committed leader of the institution.
Serving as President and Vice-Chancellor of MSVU from 2010 to 2017 and then becoming President Emerita in 2019, Ramona again led the university on an interim basis in 2021-2022.
Ramona’s achievements during her tenure at MSVU include enhancing student services and student retention, developing programs reflecting MSVU’s commitment to social justice, fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and respect, ensuring the university’s continued contributions to the advancement of women, and advancing efforts in Truth and Reconciliation.
Perhaps Ramona’s crowning achievement as MSVU’s President was the construction of the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research. The building opened in 2015, supported by a successful fundraising campaign led by Ramona. It is the only building on a Canadian university campus dedicated to the advancement of women, and has had a transformational impact on the campus.
Among the honours she has received over the course of her career are the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case for her outstanding contributions to seeking equality for women and girls in Canada, and the Order of Canada for her leadership in post-secondary education and her promotion of community-based learning initiatives. In 2022, she was presented with an Eagle Feather by the L’nu members of the L’nu Advisory Circle at MSVU; for many Indigenous Peoples, the Eagle Feather is the highest honour that can be bestowed. She has also been the recipient of a Progress Women of Excellence Award and been named to the annual list of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs three times.
A street on campus now bears Ramona’s name in recognition of her extensive contributions to the university. Lumpkin Road winds from the top of Seton Road to the front of the E. Margaret Fulton Communications Centre.
MSVU’s history is rich with the stories of countless people who’ve had an impact on the university and in the broader community. Over the course of 2023, we’ll feature stories about 150 MSVU students, faculty, staff and alum. Check back often to meet more amazing MSVU people!