The Mount is pleased to announce that Dr. Alexa McDonough has accepted the position of Interim President of Mount Saint Vincent University, effective August 28, 2009, through to August 2010.
“I am confident Dr. McDonough will serve the Mount well in the coming year,” says Mount Board of Governors Chair, Janet MacMillan. “Given her past successes and her overall commitment to such high priorities as the Capital Campaign and the implementation of our strategic plan, Destination 2012, I am sure the Mount will continue to move forward under her leadership.”
Dr. McDonough is best known for her 30-year political career at both the federal and provincial levels. She led the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Nova Scotia from 1980 to 1994, and was elected leader of the federal NDP in 1995. After stepping down eight years later, McDonough remained in office as the Member of Parliament for Halifax until 2008.
An advocate for women in politics, McDonough was the first woman to lead a recognized political party in Canada. In the 2006 federal election, McDonough became the first woman to win four consecutive terms representing Nova Scotia in Parliament and the second MP to represent Halifax for four consecutive federal terms. That year, she was also the only woman elected among 32 Members of Parliament in Atlantic Canada.
Widely regarded as a determined, passionate and courageous advocate for NDP issues, McDonough was instrumental in worker health and safety improvements, human rights protections and pay equity. She also led the charge in fighting for and winning the first ban on extra billing in Canada. Since stepping down as leader, McDonough has worked mostly on international development and peace advocacy.
“I have been an enthusiastic fan of the Mount since my earliest contact with the Sisters of Charity in my adolescence,” says Dr. McDonough. “Throughout my forty-year career in community services, academia, and public life, my appreciation for the Mount’s mission and accomplishments has deepened. I look forward to working with the University to advance its progress on key goals and objectives.”
Dr. McDonough will be working with President Laurin over the summer months to ensure a smooth transition. Throughout the coming year, she will work closely with members of the senior administration team, supporting them in their efforts around overall management of the University.
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For more information contact:
Akiko Lovett
t. 457-6439
c. 441-0505