President and Vice-Chancellor Search

On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Presidential Search Committee, I am honoured to announce that the Board of Governors has unanimously named Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99) as the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University.

Jeff is currently the Interim President and Vice-Chancellor at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.

The Presidential Search Committee began our search for the next leader of Acadia University many months ago. The entire process, from initial consultations to on-campus presentations and meetings with influential individuals and organizations, highlighted how many people care deeply about Acadia. Thank you for contributing valuable thoughts and ideas to the Committee.

Jeff embodies all the important qualities we aspired to find in our next president. A distinguished scholar and a proven leader with a passion for Acadia, he believes deeply in the transformative powers of a liberal arts education.

As we celebrate Jeff’s appointment, we must also acknowledge the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe Dr. Peter Ricketts for his six years of devoted leadership on our campus. He has positioned Acadia exceptionally well to further advance the liberal arts through our incredible faculty, dedicated staff, our extraordinary and diverse student body, and a strategic plan to guide our future.

We are likewise grateful for Ray Ivany, who has graciously returned to serve as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor until Jeff begins his six-year term on September 1, 2023.

I am deeply grateful to the members of the Presidential Search Committee. They offered, without hesitation, their invaluable time, energy, considered thoughts, and constant optimism. The announcement we celebrate today is an outcome of their tireless work.

Acadia is truly a special place due primarily to the people who make up our community. Important moments like this would not be possible without you, the Acadia family—thank you!

For the full news release, kindly visit the Newsroom. When you see Jeff on campus or around Wolfville, please extend a warm Acadia “welcome back” as he rejoins his alma mater.

Sincerely yours,

Henry Demone (’76)

Chair, Acadia Board of Governors
Chair, Presidential Search Committee