Feature Story | Strong Leadership

Five Deans, from left to right: Dr. Suzie Currie; Dr. Anna Robbins; Dr. Ann Vibert; Dr. Laura Robinson; and seated, Dr. Anna Redden.

Five Deans, all alumnae: sharing knowledge, shaping the world

By Fred Sgambati (’83) It’s a classic Acadia story: students arrive in Wolfville, have a transformative educational experience, earn a degree, then go out and change the world.

There’ s a certain magic to it, a water-into-wine alchemy that defines the Acadia experience and produces people who, at the end of their academic journey, sprout metaphoric wings and take flight, seeking sky in all its glory; full of confidence and anticipation, determined to accomplish great things.

Five such people have done just that – soared after graduation from Acadia and are thrilled now to return to their alma mater with purpose and intention to share accumulated knowledge and hard-earned professional acumen with the University’s students and fellow leaders.

Five Deans in all, pillars of Acadia’s academic infrastructure:

Dean of Arts, Dr. Laura Robinson (BA ’88; HC ’88); Dean of Pure and Applied Science, Dr . Suzie Currie (BSCH ’91); Dean of Theology and President of Acadia Divinity College, Dr. Anna Robbins (MRE ’93; MAT ’97); Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies, Dr . Ann Vibert (BA ’74); Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and Director, Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Dr . Anna Redden (BSC ’79; BSCH ’82; MSC ’86).

All went on to earn graduate degrees before returning at one time or another to Acadia and each has a story to tell. For consistency, we asked them the same questions, fully expecting a wide range of responses. They didn’t disappoint.

Dr. Laura Robinson

Q. Where do you come from originally?

A. I grew up “in the military” so I was born in Montreal, then moved to (in quick succession) North Bay, Ontario; Tuscon, Arizona; Toronto, Ontario; Gander, Newfoundland; Chatham, New Brunswick; Ramstein and then Lahr, Germany; and finally to Shearwater Nova Scotia in the early 1980s, when I came to Acadia. My parents are originally from the Halifax area and I’ve always called Nova Scotia home, even though I never really lived here as a young person. It was the constant in my life as we always “came home” in the summer.

Q. Why did you choose Acadia?

A. My sister came to Acadia in 1973 (graduating in ’77) when I was seven, and my grandfather and two uncles lived in Windsor, so I grew up with the assumption that I would attend Acadia . I’m not sure I was aware there were other options!

Q. What was your area of study here?

A. I did Honours English, graduating in 1988.

Q. Who were your mentors, and how influential were they?

A. Two professors made a difference for me: Ray Thompson was my longsuffering thesis advisor who always pushed me to work harder; and Jeanette Auger taught me a course called ‘Women in the Modern World’, which transformed and galvanized me to work toward social justice.

Q. What were the takeaways from your Acadia experience?

A. I became infused with a passion for wanting to change the world. I became aware of injustice, and I pledged to make a difference. I saw further education and becoming an educator as a means to that end.

Q. How meaningful is it to return to your alma mater and have a role in determining the University’s academic offerings and priorities for current and future students?

A. I cannot even begin to articulate how thrilled I am to be back at Acadia and as the Dean of Arts. To be here working with our faculty members and students to shape the world we are in for the better is a dream come true. To return “home” feels completely right to me. The feeling of positivity at Acadia right now is electric, and I am very optimistic about our future.

Dr. Suzie Currie

Q. Where do you come from originally?

A. I grew up in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Q. Why did you choose Acadia?

A. I was planning to attend St. FX my whole life, as both my parents went there. When I was in Grade 11 at Memorial High School, I attended the Grade 12 graduation and President Dr. James Perkin (DLT ’95) from Acadia gave the graduation address. I can’t remember what he said, but I remember I loved it and we spoke afterwards. This put Acadia firmly on my radar. I applied to Acadia (along with St. FX and Dal), came to Wolfville for a visit and loved it . Acadia also gave me a very healthy scholarship. The rest is history!

Q. What was your area of study here?

A. Biology. Although, in my first year, I couldn’t decide between English and Biology. I took first-year science and the English course for majors. Let’s just say my decision to move on in biology was pretty clear after that course!

Q. Who were your mentors and how influential were they?

A. Dan Toews in biology was a very significant mentor for me while I was here. He helped me find my passion.

Q. What were the takeaways from your Acadia experience?

A. Follow your passion and do what you love. Dream big, experience the world, keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to use your elbows (I was on the rugby team)!

Q. How meaningful is it to return to your alma mater and have a role in determining the University’s academic offerings and priorities for current and future students?

A. I could say more about this, but it’s my dream job! Acadia gave me my start and so many opportunities. I’m so grateful and thankful that I came here as an undergraduate. Having experienced several universities since I was first at Acadia, I am a huge supporter of our model of undergraduate education and delighted that I can now contribute in a more senior way and give back.

Dr. Ann Vibert

Q. Where do you come from originally?

A. Truro, Nova Scotia, graduated from Cobequid Educational Centre.

Q. Why did you choose Acadia?

A. In my Grade 12 year, my best friend and I went around to spend a weekend at each of the local universities on our short-list: Acadia, Dalhousie, and Mount A. We agreed on Acadia: it had a reputation as an academically strong university (all three did) and it was a gorgeous fall weekend when we visited. Honestly, I think it was the beauty of the campus that decided us.

Q. What was your area of study here?

A. English and Classics.

Q. Who were your mentors and how influential were they?

A. Dr. Roger Lewis: I was absolutely terrified of him, not because he was frightening – he wasn’t – but because he was brilliant . He spoke prose. I fell in love with Victorian Literature and Professor Evelyn Garbary (DLT, ’79), who captivated us all, taught us how to read, and said to me, in her own inimitable way, “My dear, you are a writer . ” Professor Peter Booth: his profound love of classics was absolutely infectious. They, as well as other faculty here, changed my life.

Q. What were the takeaways from your Acadia experience?

A. The beauty of this place stayed with me always. At Acadia, I learned how ideas work, how in particular times and places they are in the air, resonating across arts and sciences, politics and popular culture. As I said above, I learned how to read – I had always been a reader, but here I really learned how to read, mostly by demonstrations from my professors. And I made lifelong friends – they are all over North America now, but these days we make a point of getting together as a group every second summer.

Q. How meaningful is it to return to your alma mater and have a role in determining the University’s academic offerings and priorities for current and future students?

A. I consider that a life gift. In the evenings in the fall I walk my friend’s dog on the dikes and watch the tower on U Hall turn pink and gold at sunset. I have to pinch myself – I feel like I’m in a novel. I am deeply and consciously grateful every day for how my life turned out, and for how, after a number of turns, I’ve ended up back here where I began a scholarly life.

Dr. Anna Robbins

Q. Where do you come from originally?

A. I grew up in Saint John, NB. Attended Prince Charles and Princess Elizabeth Schools, and graduated from Saint John High School.

Q. Why did you choose Acadia?

A. I actually completed my undergrad degree at Carleton. I went for journalism and finished in politics. But a call to ministry together with my new husband meant graduate study at Acadia; for Atlantic Baptists there was no other suggestion offered. It was the best and most life-changing move of our lives to come to Acadia and study theology.

Q. What was your area of study here?

A. I first completed the Master of Religious Education, since women often struggled to find a church with the Master of Divinity in those days. But I fell in love with Acadia Divinity College (ADC), and the study of theology. While we were serving full-time in our first church in Clementsvale, I drove up the Valley a couple of times a week to complete the Master of Arts (Theology) degree. I learned biblical Greek from the textbook on my steering wheel on the 101. (I don’t recommend that!) Today, of course, I could Zoom into class – that’s a great development for students like me.

Q. Who were your mentors and how influential were they?

A. All the profs were mentors in different ways, and it would be impossible to overestimate their influence. Everything in my life that came after Acadia was marked indelibly by Acadia. Dr. Oliver Ohsberg probably had the greatest formative influence because I took so many of his courses . But it was Rev . Dr . Allison Trites (’12 HON) who led me to a point where I could accept my call based on an appropriate interpretation of the New Testament; Dr . Dennis Veinnot, who taught me to think theologically; Dr. Miriam Ross (’84 HON), who gave me some of the skills of the academic as I served as her TA for four years and worked on SSHRC-funded research with her; and Dr. Roy Williams, who nurtured my developing love for theology and was unfailing in his encouragement.

Q. What were the takeaways from your Acadia experience?

A. The takeaway was me! My call and my theological and scholarly formation took shape at Acadia. As I continued in ministry, and further studies, and eventually as a professor and leader, I could not stand in front of a group and speak without hearing the voice of one of my Acadia profs echoing in my brain . I drank up everything I could while I was at ADC and used every bit of it in real life and ministry .

Q. How meaningful is it to return to your alma mater and have a role in determining the University’s academic offerings and priorities for current and future students?

A. After 15 years in the UK I wondered if I would ever get back to Acadia – it grows on you like that for life! It was providential that the right job was open at the right time when I returned in 2012. Today, I am thrilled that my education and experience have led me to a place in my life where I can apply all of my skills and knowledge to the task of leading ADC as its President. My desire is to see our students released to their vocations feeling as equipped as I did, for the opportunities and challenges that await them . As Dean of Theology, it is an absolute privilege to work alongside such dedicated and capable scholars and administrators in the college and university, who serve with selflessness and excellence, with a passion for students and their learning that is unsurpassed. I believe Acadia’s spirit grows out of the very soil of this place, birthed by Baptists for the good of everyone who wants to receive an education, with openness and equality. The opportunity to build the Faculty of Theology in this place and at this time is a gift that I hope ADC will both give and receive. It feels like good things are stirring and I am very excited to be part of it .

Dr. Anna Redden

Q. Where do you come from originally?

A. I grew up in Windsor, Nova Scotia, and went to Windsor Elementary School and later Windsor Regional High School.

Q. Why did you choose Acadia?

A. I was involved in track and field in high school and would often come to Acadia for sports events and to watch basketball games. I felt very comfortable whenever I was at Acadia; it was the right size for me and, as a teenager, I always wanted to be an Acadia student. I didn’t think twice about it and I didn’t apply to any other university.

Q. What was your area of study here?

A. I studied biology, with a focus on ecology.

Q. Who were your mentors and how influential were they?

A. My mentors while an undergraduate student were largely biology Master’s students who were often teaching assistants. I looked up to and admired them. Many of these Acadia alumni became colleagues and close friends, some of whom I continue to see on a regular basis. Dr. Graham Daborn, one of my biology professors and my supervisor for both Honours and Master’s research projects, was the most significant mentor throughout my education at Acadia. I have adopted his approach to mentoring students and providing meaningful learning opportunities . We stayed in touch after I left Acadia and, when I returned as a professor, we naturally collaborated on a number of projects, including those of the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute, which we and three others founded in 2012.

Q. What were the takeaways from your Acadia experience?

A. An education doesn’t end with an undergraduate degree; it is a lifelong activity. I also learned the importance of collaboration and leadership while studying at Acadia. Thanks largely to Dr. Daborn, I was given many opportunities to be involved in projects that involved government and industry partners, and scientists from a range of other institutions. These were wonderful eye-opening and “exponential growth” experiences for me . Because of this, I have offered similar experiences to my research students, all of whom have benefitted professionally and personally from these opportunities.

Q. How meaningful is it to teach at your alma mater and have a leadership role in determining the University’s academic offerings and priorities for current and future students?

A. My first academic appointment was in Australia, where I taught for eight years. While there, I longed to return to Acadia as a professor . In fact, it was my “dream job” upon completing my MSc in biology . The dream came true in 2005 when I was appointed a professor in biology! The circle was then complete and I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity .

I have enjoyed teaching at Acadia. Our students are attentive, appreciative and open learners. Teaching at Acadia is a highly valued activity and students respond well to personalized approaches to delivering information and learning experiences. I believe we are the “just right” university size. My current role is leading Acadia’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies. I interact with Acadia’s graduate students on a regular basis and enjoy mentoring these young professionals and assisting with their leadership activities.

Acadia has much to offer in the years ahead and I am proud and excited to be a mong the five female Deans, all alumna, who are involved in steering the academic bus into our future.