St. Francis Xavier University makes history with chancellor’s appointment

ANTIGONISH, N.S. – St. Francis Xavier University made history today as it introduced its new chancellor, the first lay person and woman to hold the position.

Susan Crocker is a former member of the Nova Scotia university’s board of governors and chairs the Coady International Institute’s advisory board.

Crocker also received an honorary degree from the school in Antigonish in 2012, recognizing her business leadership and philanthropy.

Until Crocker’s appointment, the bishop of Antigonish had automatically been appointed the university’s chancellor.

University president Kent MacDonald says the role of chancellor is expanded with Crocker’s appointment and will be more than ceremonial.

The appointment of a lay person as chancellor was made possible by the passage of a bill in the legislature last year.

The bill removed the requirement of appointing the bishop as chancellor

Bishop Brian Dunn has been appointed to a new role with the university and will serve as vicar of the founder.