Mount Allison University officially installed George L. Cooper (’89) as the 10th Chancellor during a special ceremony in Convocation Hall on Mar. 24, 2026. Cooper, whose appointment took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, succeeds Lynn Loewen (’82), who served from 2018 to 2025.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and distinguished guests gathered to mark this important moment in the University's history. Greetings and reflections were shared on behalf of students, faculty, and staff, highlighting community, connection, and the important role Chancellors have played as ambassadors and advocates for the University.

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ian Sutherland reflected on the legacy of Mount Allison’s previous Chancellors in his opening remarks and welcomed Cooper to a distinguished lineage of leaders who have championed the University for more than six decades.

“While each Chancellor has brought their own uniqueness, they share common characteristics — inspiring individuals who have contributed much to society; active community builders wherever they go; advocates near and far for the critical roles of learning, research, and creativity for society; and passionate supporters for Mount Allison.”

The ceremony also included remarks from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., K.C., M.P. (LLD ’21), President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy. A longtime friend of Chancellor Cooper, LeBlanc delivered the keynote address and offered warm congratulations and best wishes to Cooper in his new role.

In his installation address, Cooper reflected on his family’s history and the transformative power of higher education. Sharing stories of his parents, grandparents, and great-grandfather, describing how a decision made generations ago to invest in a Mount Allison education changed the trajectory of his family.

"Universities like ours produce the next generation of leaders, innovators, poets, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and citizens. This is all demonstrably true.”

He emphasized the importance of preserving and supporting higher education institutions, describing universities as places that nurture hope, leadership, creativity, and opportunity.

Varsity Women's Hockey Mountie Julia Lee (‘25) presented Chancellor Cooper with a Mounties number 10 jersey on behalf of the Mounties to recognize him as the 10th Chancellor and symbolize his place in Mount Allison’s history.

Cooper graduated from Mount Allison with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1989. He later earned his law degree from the University of New Brunswick followed by a Master of Laws from the University of Cambridge. He has built a distinguished legal career and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Cox & Palmer, one of Atlantic Canada’s leading law firms.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cooper has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service and community leadership. He previously served as Chair of Mount Allison’s Board of Regents and Chair of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority, among many other governance and volunteer roles.

A frequent lecturer and mentor, Cooper is known for his commitment to education, access to justice, and the development of emerging leaders.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community to allow me the honour of serving in this role...I look at the list of my predecessors in this role and strain to imagine myself remotely worthy. But in all things, persistent effort over time usually pays. So, I will start there. Many thanks.”