Mount Allison University Director of Athletics and Recreation Pierre Arsenault has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for U SPORTS effective June 6.    

U SPORTS is the largest organizing and administrative body for university athletics in Canada, with 56 member institutions participating in 12 sports, structured in four regional conferences across Canada. 

“Pierre’s appointment is testament to his deep experience and understanding of sports administration, his professionalism, and reputation within the university sports community in Canada,” says Anne Comfort, Mount Allison’s Vice-President, International and Student Affairs. “Mounties athletic programs have developed and have had many successes in conference play during his tenure and enjoyed increased profile and success in our region and at the national level. We thank Pierre and wish him and his family well in this next endeavour.”   

Arsenault joined Mount Allison in 2009, and during that time has made a huge contribution to the University. Upon his arrival he spearheaded the development of a Mounties Strategic Plan, which has served as the framework for so many positive milestones and the development of sports, fitness, and recreation activities at Mount Allison.

“I’m so grateful to have spent the last 13 years at Mount Allison University. My family and I have so many wonderful experiences with the Mounties family to be thankful for,” says Arsenault. “This is a special community of people and we will carry our indelible Mountie Pride with us wherever we go.”

In 2013 Mount Allison hosted the first Uteck Bowl in the school’s history, and the first CCAA National Championships in women’s basketball in 2018. Under Arsenault’s leadership, Mount Allison also saw the construction of Alumni Field, undertook a rebrand of Mounties athletics, including the popular Mountie Pride mantra.

Arsenault’s influence is also evident in the academic performance of student-athletes, which has consistently improved through the years, to a point where 90% of student-athletes are in good academic standing. Many athletes have reached the standard of CCAA and USports ‘Academic All-Canadian' - an achievement requiring high performance in both academics and athletics - with a record 101 Mountie student-athletes being named in 2020-21.

Along with serving on several University committees and community organizations, Arsenault was also appointed the President of Atlantic University Sport (AUS) and Vice Chair, U SPORTS Board of Directors, in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Arsenault’s last official day at Mount Allison is June 2, and a search process for his replacement will begin immediately.

Read more at U SPORTS News Release