New Chair for College, University Advisory Board

The Nova Scotia Advisory Board on Colleges and Universities has a new chairperson.

Adrienne MacLaughlin has served as a member of the advisory board for more than two years. She was appointed to a two-year term as chairperson on May 1 and held her first meeting today, May 28.

"Ms. MacLaughlin brings a wealth of experience and a broad perspective on post-secondary education, contributing to quality education for Nova Scotia students," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "I want to thank her and all the advisory board members for their support and guidance. I'm looking forward to her leadership as the chair of the board."

The board members advise the minister on issues and opportunities for the province's community college, universities and post- secondary students. The board was formed in 2000 to replace the Council on Higher Education which had responsibility only for universities.

The board has advised on the growth strategy for the Nova Scotia Community College, the new student debt reduction program, the move toward multi-year funding agreements with universities and other post-secondary matters.

"I accepted the chair of the advisory board because I'm still vitally interested in education and feel that I can make a difference for Nova Scotia students," said Ms. MacLaughlin.

Ms. MacLaughlin is a native of New Brunswick. She began a nursing career there, then moved into a teaching role in nursing schools.

In 1973, she joined Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ottawa as a teacher. Over 14 years, she held numerous administrative positions including vice-president academic.

From 1987 to 1993, she was president of Kwantlen College in lower British Columbia. A large number of students enrol in this college for the first two years of their university programs.

Ms. MacLaughlin is currently retired and living in Antigonish.

She is replacing Bob Shaw as chairperson of the advisory board. He was the board's first chairperson. He also served as chairperson of the former Council on Higher Education for four years.

The board has representation from post-secondary students, faculty and administrators as well as the province's business and cultural communities.

Advisory board members are appointed by the minister. They are selected through an advertised application process in the spring and fall when there are positions to be filled.