Dear students, faculty and staff,
When I first went to university (the first in my family), I didn’t think I belonged. I had it in my head that it was a place for other people, not a place for me.
I was wrong.
Fast forward a few (ok, more than a few) years and I’m excited to be starting my second year as President of MSVU. My journey to the Mount hasn’t been without its ups and downs. I’ve had my share (in fact, I’ve kept a folder of what I call my “We regret to inform you” letters). But I’m glad my journey ultimately led me here.
And I’m glad your journey has led you here too.
You couldn’t have chosen a better university home. In particular because here we understand that each of us brings to this experience a unique set of personal circumstances and requires a unique set of supports (check out our A to Z list of student supports here).
Whether you’re entirely new to MSVU or a returning student, whether you’re a long-serving faculty or staff member or joining us for the first time, you belong here.
The best part of my job is meeting you – the people who make up the awesome MSVU community. If we haven’t met yet, I look forward to meeting you soon. To break the ice, here are a few facts about me:
- I love music. Not cringey music. Good music. And I blast a tune from my office every Friday morning to finish the week right. Some of the more recent additions to my Friday playlist include Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Mustang Sally” by The Commitments and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers. Requests welcome!
- I love dogs. I own two, and one of them has his own Instagram account. MSVU has the most awesome therapy dog on staff, Wendell. You should make it a point to meet him.
- I like to eat in the Rosaria Dining Hall whenever I can. It’s the best deal in town at just over $10 for an all-you-care-to-eat lunch. Please join my table if you’re there.
Now that you know a bit about me, I look forward to learning about you. If you see me in the hallway, please stop me to say hello.
To our new students – you are the first class of MSVU’s next 150 years! Bet you didn’t realize that. MSVU turns 150 this year. And this fall marks the start of our next 150 years. You’re kickstarting our new legacy.
To all students, faculty and staff – I’m wishing you a great year ahead. The ups and downs are inevitable. We’ll celebrate the ups with you and support you through the downs.
We’ve got this!
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson (she/her)
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University
Follow me on social:
Instagram @presd_msvu
Twitter (I’m still calling it that) @PresD_MSVU