McDonough brings shared values, experience to Mount … but not for long

Former NDP leader Alexa McDonough says match between personal beliefs and university mission was too close to ignore. But she’s just “staying the course” while the university looks for permanent leadership.

Former NDP leader Alexa McDonough takes on new challenges as interim president & vice-chancellor at Mount Saint Vincent University. Photo: Public Affairs, MSVU

McDonough was not looking for a job when she was approached by Mount Saint Vincent University for a one-year interim presidency position.

“Frankly, my first reaction was ‘not a chance!’”

After 29 years in politics, the former NDP leader had been enjoying her year off – what she calls a “self-imposed sabbatical” – spending time with her seven grandchildren and reconnecting with her love of culture.

But, as she met and talked with the outgoing and incoming chairs of the Mount’s board of governors, McDonough changed her mind. A longtime supporter of the Mount’s history, mission and programs, she thought to herself, “why wouldn’t I?”

The Mount, with a student population of about 5,000, was looking for leadership after the early and unexpected departure of then president and vice-chancellor Kathryn Laurin.

Laurin completed three years of a five-year term, during which time she spearheaded Destination 2012, the strategic direction for the university.

Laurin’s decision to leave was a personal one, says Mount board chair Catherine Woodman. On that level, Woodman says there was a “sense of understanding.” On an organizational level, however, Woodman says the board was disappointed.

Laurin, who is originally from out west, began Sept. 1 as president of Camosun College in Victoria, B.C.

Following Laurin’s June 8 announcement, Woodman says the board met and defined attributes they wanted for an interim president.

These attributes include a philosophy of social justice and the advancement of women, a high profile in the community, a respect within the community, knowledge of higher education and demonstrated leadership within and without government circles.

The board agreed unanimously that McDonough, the first woman to lead a recognized political party in Canada, was a good fit.

Throughout her political career, McDonough was known for her work with health care, unemployment, pensions and public education. In 2004, she was named post-secondary education critic for the NDP.

McDonough has been recognized for this work with honorary degrees from Dalhousie University, the University of King’s College and Mount Saint Vincent University.

While she was given her Mount degree in May 2009, her connection to the school began much earlier.

She remembers with a chuckle performing ballet and folkloric dance as a teenager for the Sisters of Charity on the Mount campus.

McDonough, who began her presidency on Aug. 28, 2009, says she’s a “fierce believer in maintaining and ensuring the good health of the public education system.” She says the Mount has been a pioneer in programs, such as distance learning, that accommodate and provide opportunity for lifelong learning.

The Mount also has a number of programs – such as child care, gerontology and women’s studies – which reflect with McDonough’s personal philosophy and political leanings.

She says she has a great deal of respect for the Mount’s long commitment to peace and conflict resolution. Following her departure as federal leader in 2003, McDonough worked to eliminate nuclear weapons as co-president of Parliamentarians for Non-proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament.

McDonough, with a bachelor of arts and a master’s of social work from Dalhousie University, joins a growing list of Canadian university presidents without PhDs.

Woodman states, “She is comfortable in government and political circles – this is a necessary ingredient in any university today.”

Woodman adds that public response since her installation has been positive.

In her role as interim president and vice-chancellor, McDonough will continue the work started by Laurin, which includes participating in the university’s capital campaign and implementing the strategic plan. This plan focuses the energies of faculty and staff on four goals: ensuring quality, advancing women, engaging the community and ensuring accessibility.

McDonough says she’s been enjoying the position thoroughly but will not be staying after her year is up. She says that the university needs someone who has five years to put into the position.

“I’m not what they need and I’m not looking for that…I’m here to stay the course.”

Disclosure: Krista Armstrong worked in the Mount’s advancement office from 2008-2009.

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