SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jean-Paul Boudreau has been named to Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO list for 2022. The announcement was made at a gala event in Halifax, NS on May 12.

“It is an honour to be acknowledged by Atlantic Business as one of the region’s organizational leaders this past year,” says Boudreau. “Recognition generated by the success of the University is a reflection of the dedicated efforts of the entire Mount Allison community, working together, and continuing to build on our 183-year history.”
 
Boudreau, who is originally from New Brunswick, is a proud Acadian who became Mount Allison’s 15th President and Vice-Chancellor in 2018. Since that time, the University’s strategic focus has been one based on innovating for the future alongside sustainable financial stewardship.
 
While leading the University through the pandemic, Boudreau has continued to emphasize innovation across Mount Allison. In the past three years, the University has launched more than 20 new or revamped academic programs in areas such as Health Studies, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Community Engaged Learning. There are now more 50 academic programs and seven degrees offered at the University. This growth has been achieved
 
Mount Allison has also seen continued growth in enrollment and celebrated the launch of the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; the Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts, and the McCain Scholars program over the past two years. These developments, along with several others, have increased opportunities and supports for students through internships, experiential learning, and financial aid.
 
“We are privileged to be at the leading edge of training and development for tomorrow’s change leaders — our students — preparing them not for a job, but for any job,” says Boudreau. “We are also committed to providing spaces to support these hands-on learning experiences on campus, and to encourage innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, turning ideas into action. I am continuously amazed at the accomplishments of our students, as well as the faculty and staff who mentor and support them.”

In addition to academic growth, the University has made strides on a variety of social issues to become a more inclusive and responsive community in the areas of Indigenization, sexual violence education and prevention, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and response to climate change.
 
In 2020 Mount Allison engaged the Canadian Centre for Legal Innovation in Sexual Assault Response (CCLISAR) to conduct an independent review of the University’s policies and procedures. The report is publicly available and many of the recommendations have already been adopted, including the hiring of a new, full-time leader in this area with an additional search underway to fill a second full-time position. The University has also completed a report around diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and welcomed Elders-in-Residence William and Connie Nevin this past year.
 
“The entire University has worked to make these changes happen. Policies and practices in these areas have significantly evolved and I am proud of the progress our community has made,” says Boudreau. “Success is not based on completely ‘solving’ all complex societal issues, but in being able and willing to enact organizational change as a means of addressing these issues on our campus.”
 
Prior to joining Mount Allison, Boudreau served as Dean of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) and taught at the University of Prince Edward Island. He holds a PhD in experimental psychology from Tufts University in Boston. In addition to his Presidential role, Boudreau also serves as co-chair of the Future NB/Future Wabanaki Strategic Leadership Committee; deputy chair, Atlantic University Sports (AUS) Executive Committee; member of the Education Committee and Presidents’ Climate Emergency Collaboration of Universities Canada; as well as the Mitacs Canada Research Council.

Chief and CEO of Membertou First Nation and 2021 Mount Allison University honorary degree recipient Chief Terry Paul was also named to the 2022 ABM Top 50 CEO. Paul will receive his honorary degree from Mount Allison during Convocation ceremonies on Monday, May 16.

Mount Allison alumnus, chiropractor, and founder of Town Health Solutions Dr. Erik Klein (Class of ’99) was also among this year’s recipients.