Joining NSCAD in 1968 from Ohio University, Gerald Ferguson was instrumental in the founding of the Master of Fine Arts program in 1973, and served as chair of the Divisions of Studio and Graduate Studies during his tenure. Jerry was a director of the Lithography Workshop, director of the Anna Leonowens Gallery and a founding member of the NSCAD Press, serving on the editorial board until his retirement in 2005.
Recipient of the 1995 Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prize, Gerald Ferguson was a noted expert and collector of folk art and historical Canadian painting. A respected writer and editor, he inspired and mentored many artists, art historians and critical writers in Canada and abroad. Named Professor Emeritus in 2008, he was beloved by his students and inspired generations of artists.
Gerald Ferguson contributed greatly to the international reputation acquired by the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in the 1970s. His distinguished teaching and artistic careers earned him an enduring reputation in the field of contemporary art.