President Dingwall appointed Chair, Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP)

Date Posted: Mar 28, 2023

Note: This press release was originally written by CONSUP and released on March 28, 2023.聽

David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-chancellor, Cape Breton University, has been appointed by his colleagues as Chair, Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP) for a two-year term.

Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor, Saint Mary鈥檚 University, was appointed CONSUP鈥檚 Vice-chair, also for a two-year term.

Upon his appointment, Mr. Dingwall confirmed with his colleagues that CONSUP must remain steadfast in its commitment to promoting inter-institutional collaboration, cooperation, and partnership, leading to greater student success and improved operational efficiency.

鈥淓nsuring we maintain high quality, nationally and internationally competitive universities is important to provincial success,鈥� said Mr. Dingwall, adding that 鈥渁s public institutions, our universities have an important role to play in helping the Nova Scotia government achieve its objectives to improve healthcare delivery; drive population growth and stimulate economic prosperity across Nova Scotia.鈥�

A September poll conducted by Narrative Research on behalf of CONSUP, indicated that Nova Scotians overwhelmingly support a diverse Nova Scotia university sector as important to:

  • Meeting the educational needs of Nova Scotians (96%)
  • Meeting the needs of businesses, industry, and communities (92%)
  • Attracting retaining young people to communities across NS (91%)
  • Helping create a diversified provincial economy (89%)
  • Making NS a national and international education destination (87%)

Mr. Dingwall added that, 鈥淣ova Scotia鈥檚 universities growing success internationally is attributable to a reputation for high quality education, a unique student experience and offering safe, secure campuses in welcoming communities.鈥�

There are currently about 12,000 international students studying at Nova Scotia鈥檚 universities, representing a year-over-year increase of 14.5% (+1,506 students).

is an advocacy organization that represents the interests of the province鈥檚 ten universities.