All NSCAD campuses closed at noon, February 24, 2024 due to freezing rain. All campuses will reopen at 9 a.m. on February 25.

Board of governors

To access the Board and committee meeting schedule, as well as Board meeting minutes, click here.

Chair, Board of Governors

Governor-At-Large

 Ex-Officio member of all Board standing committees

William Barker joined the Board in September 2022. He was the President and Vice Chancellor of the University of King’s College, with a cross-appointment at Dalhousie University. He is now retired at as an emeritus professor of Dalhousie and Inglis professor at King’s. He has served on boards and committees in education and the arts.

Bill continues to write and research, and currently serves as the weekly seminar director for Halifax Humanities, an educational project for mature students who were unable to attend or complete university, often because of health or financial barriers. When he retired he started to take courses at NSCAD, mostly in photography. The mode of teaching at NSCAD relies on critique and practice, unusual forms of education that are strongly focused on the growth and development of the individual student. The atmosphere is one of continuous experiment and discussion. For Bill, it is a privilege to serve on the board of NSCAD to support this kind of learning.

Faculty Representative, Member  (2022-2024) 

Member, Advancement Committee (2023-2024) 

Mark Bovey (BEd, BFA, MFA) is Associate Professor of Printmaking (2004-present), and current Chair of Fine Art.  Mark grew up in Gananoque Ontario, a tourist town east of Kingston, Ontario on the St. Lawrence River. As sports enthusiast, he grew up on the water and field in summer, and on the ice in winter. He received his MFA in Printmaking from the University of Alberta, Edmonton (1992) and holds BFA from Queen’s University, Kingston (1989).  

His works have represented Canada internationally in juried biennial, triennial, and invitational exhibitions in 20 nations worldwide since 1998. He has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across Canada including 19 curatorial projects. After almost 20 years at NSCAD, Mark is excited to join the BOG as NSCAD begins an exciting transition to the new era ahead.   

Governor-At-Large (2017-2026) 

Member, Advancement Committee (Chair) (2018-2026) 

Honorary Degree Recipients Representative (2022-2024) 

Dr. Marco Chiarot (DDS, MD, MSc, FRCD) is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with degrees in both Dentistry (Dalhousie ’93) and Medicine (Dalhousie ‘01). Further study includes Hospital Dentistry (Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina); Internship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and a six-year residency in the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre ‘01) attaining a Master of Science in OMFS Sciences. Following this, Dr. Chiarot left Canada to study Head and Neck/Craniofacial Surgery (Milan ‘02). Returning to his hometown of Halifax, Dr. Chiarot entered into private practice and together with Dr. Joel Powell formed Citadel Oral and Facial Surgery.    

Currently an examiner in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and is an associate professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University. He is the founding member of the Atlantic Implant Study Club, active since 2003. He believes in serving his dental profession and currently sits on the Nova Scotia Dental Association’s Economics committee and Government Relations committee and is past vice-chair of the Prescription Monitoring Board of Nova Scotia. Apart from Dentistry, Dr. Chiarot enjoys cooking and the worlds of art and wine. He has recently been appointed to the National Arts Centre Foundation Board. He belongs to the Italian Wines Society and the Halifax Commanderie de Bordeaux. He sits on the NSCAD University board of governors and chairs the advancement committee. He resides in Halifax with his wife and 2 daughters. ”The artistic endeavors, whether they be visual or performing, have always grabbed my soul, and I am honored to be able to support them”. 

 

Governor At Large

Member, Audit and Risk Oversight Committee

Kelly Denty is recently retired from a 35-year career with the Halifax Regional Municipality where she held progressively responsible positions culminating in her role as the Executive Director of the Planning & Development department for the past six years.

Accomplished in all aspects of the regulatory processes associated with land development, she is a subject-matter expert in all relevant legislation, planning documents and municipal by-laws. Kelly is well-versed in municipal and provincial government workings and held seats on the provincial Affordable Housing Commission and the Executive Panel on Housing in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Known for her strong partner relationships and dedication to public service, she is regarded as a highly knowledgeable, confident and light-hearted mentor and leader.

Governor-At-Large (2022-2025) 

Member, Audit & Risk Oversight Committee 

Gary Edwards (LLB, B.Com.) is a sailor, writer and drummer. His band, The Hopping Penguins, has worked continuously since 1982. He has performed and recorded with numerous other acts including Big Rude Jake, Tennessee Voodoo Coupe, Tyler Ellis and the Eddy Line and Global-Centric Brass Band. He has recently been training young hockey prospects from age six to 60. Currently working in the charitable sector, Gary is focused on issues of children’s health, at risk youth, food insecurity and homelessness. He does this work under the umbrella of the Colonel Sanders Charities and the Edwards Family Charitable Foundation. 

The father of three adult children, Gary holds academic degrees from both Saint Mary’s (B.Comm. 1980) and Dalhousie (LLB 1984), but he always wished he’d been bold enough to attend NSCAD instead. A staunch champion of all things Nova Scotian, Gary has always admired the creative force of NSCAD and its role as a global ambassador for the province. 

Governor-At-Large (2020-2026) 

Member, Audit & Risk Oversight Committee (Chair) 

Cheryl Hann (CPA, CMA) joined the NSCAD Board of Governors in September of 2020 as a Governor at Large. She has served as chair of the Audit Risk and Oversight Committee since 2021 and was a member of the presidential search committee that year as well. Cheryl believes in the importance of a dynamic and vibrant artistic community in creating a society where people live full and balanced lives.  

Her career has included working with small and large companies in diverse industries including international food trading, cellular and internet services, practice management for dental offices, health and wellness IT, and real estate. Throughout her career, Cheryl has demonstrated the ability to develop process, reporting and operational improvements that contribute significantly to company growth. She was born in Nova Scotia, living for a time in Northern Virginia. She enjoys photography, quilting, travel, and being with her family, friends, and dog. 

Governor-In-Council (2022-2025) 

Treasurer (2022-2024) 

Member, Financial & Physical Resources Committee (Chair)  

Jim Horwich (CA, CPA) has been a professional accountant for over 40 years. He has served the public as a trusted planner, financial and tax advisor in the firms he founded, led, and as a partner with Grant Thornton, prior to his retirement from public practice in 2020.   

Currently, Jim serves NSCAD as chair of the Financial and Physical Resources Committee and was Chair of the 2021 Presidential Search Committee.  As well Jim has served in several volunteer leadership roles in his community with a particular focus on strengthening operations and governance matters.  Jim firmly believes in the power of partnering with others, having diverse backgrounds and complementary skills for the collective benefit of the constituents being served. “I decided to join the NSCAD Board to give back to the community using the skills that I have accumulated and to grow as both a person and as a professional. What I appreciate most about serving NSCAD is collaborating with individuals having backgrounds different than my own.” 

Governor-At-Large (2020-2026)

Member, Financial and Physical Resources Committee  

John Keating (BA, MBA) is the Atlantic RVP for BMO’s Real Estate Finance team. The team manages a portfolio of diverse clients involved in the construction of or ongoing management of real estate properties across the region. His role further supports BMO’s national leadership team in the development of policy, forecasting and portfolio management for BMO’s Canadian Real Estate Finance business.   

John has 14 years of experience in real estate banking at various levels of responsibility. He has served as Treasurer for the Canadian Homebuilders Association of Nova Scotia for the last 14 years and Atlantic Home Warranty for the last 3 years. He also works on several advisory boards for public and private associations providing expertise in real estate finance and development.  John holds a Bachelor of Arts (2005) and Master of Business Administration (2010) from Saint Mary’s University.  

Governor-In-Council (2022-2025) 

Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee 

Union-Board Committee Representative (FUNSCAD) (2022-2024) 

Sarah McInnes (BA, JD) is a Partner at McInnes Cooper with a practice specializing in immigration and employment law. She is knowledgeable in all matters relating to human resources, hiring, discipline and termination, including wrongful dismissal and other employment-related claims, and human rights and workplace accommodations. She is certified by the Workplace Institute in workplace investigations and has conducted a wide variety of investigations in both the private and public sector. 

Sarah understands the importance of engagement in her workplace on a deeper level; she has participated in her firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Action Team, Student Recruitment and Business Development groups. She is actively engaged in her community and serves on the YMCA Board of Directors. As a born-and-raised Haligonian, Sarah recognizes that NSCAD and its students contribute significantly to the vibrancy of this city and is proud to serve on the Board of Governors. 

 

Faculty Governor, Member (2022-2024) 

Member, Financial & Physical Resources Committee 

Dr. Rudi Meyer (BA Hons, BFA, MA, PhD) is both an alumnus and a faculty member of NSCAD. After a decade of teaching at Concordia University and McGill University in Montreal followed by an extended sojourn in Japan where he worked as an editor, copywriter and designer, he returned to teach at NSCAD. He is currently the Director of its Master of Interdisciplinary Design Program, a position he has held since 2010. Some of Dr. Meyer’s many and diverse research interests are still linked to Japan. Since leaving, he has returned almost annually to pursue projects ranging from the cultural dimensions of packaging to Japanese housing design as a model for adapting to changing demographics. His research has been supported by the Japan Foundation.  

He rejoined the NSCAD Board in 2022 having served on it for a number of years previously. He is currently a member of the Governance and Human Resources Committee and the Financial and Physical Resources Committee. Dr. Meyer is committed to NSCAD and is dedicated to having it thrive. 

Governor-At-Large (2020-2026)

Member, Financial and Physical Resources Committee (Vice-Chair)

Anthony Novac is the President of Sonco Gaming Inc. which has developed and managed casino, hotel and theatre projects across Canada and in London, UK.  Founded in 1995, Sonco Gaming is a company engaged in the ownership, operation and development of gaming properties. It has and continues to be active in joint ventures with major multi-national gaming/entertainment companies, Aboriginal groups and First Nations, and other interested parties. 

Anthony is an art collector with interests in Canadian mid-century artists and emerging global contemporary art. He recently completed three terms (8 years in total) on the Board of the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto. Anthony’s father-in-law, sister-in-law, and sister all attended NSCAD and Anthony and his family proudly has several NSCAD graduate pieces in their personal collection. While raised and educated in Halifax, he currently resides in Toronto with his wife and three children.  

Governor-In-Council (2022-2025) 

Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee 

Sylvia Parris-Drummond (BS, MA, ME) is the CEO of the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI) in Halifax. Sylvia provides leadership to the organization through the identification of opportunities, awareness and capacity building, and the implementation of initiatives designed to improve the education environment for African Nova Scotian learners and educators.  Sylvia has over 30 years of experience in the field of education. Additionally, she has extensive public sector involvement at both the provincial and federal levels through both employment and participation as community expertise and liaise.  In her role at DBDLI she supports knowledge translation of the Institute’s research for meaningful policy analysis, implementation of research-informed initiatives to strengthen community engagement, and the development and implementation of relevant education interventions and capacity-building projects. Ms. Parris-Drummond holds a Master of Arts in Lifelong Learning –Africentricity (MSVU), a Master of Education – Curriculum (St. Mary’s), and a Bachelor of Science, Home Economics / Education (St. Francis Xavier).   

She applies her deep love and compassion for communities in all she does.  As a lifelong learner, she recognizes that true learning can occur in many spaces and, with that appreciation, co-leads resource development and professional growth (through those resources and beyond) for all interested learners. Sylvia feels privileged to be an active member of the NSCAD Board, a Board which champions equity, social justice, and authentic outreach to those who are relegated to the margins.  It is wonderful to be at the leadership table of an organization that is welcoming to create a sense of belonging. 

Student Governor, Member (2022-2024) 

Member, Physical & Financial Resources Committee 

Member, OH & Safety Committee 

Member, NSCAD Alumni Committee 

Member, Executive Senate Committee 

 

Chris Parsons (BA, BFA) is currently pursuing at NSCAD a Visual Arts Certificate in Printmaking.  Previously, she worked as a Supervisor of the NSCAD Student Food Bank and for three years worked with NSCAD students as a Peer Mentor – an endeavor she co-founded (and later became a funded initiative). In England, Chris worked as a Financial Officer in London in the UK Housing Services rehoming the unhoused into 32,000 spaces for shelter. She also worked in London-based publishing for Women’s Press on two magazines: One dedicated to gardeners and the other devoted to jazz music. During that time in London, she studied psychiatry at the UK division of the Pellin Institute.  

Upon returning to Halifax, Chris completed both her BA and BFA in Art History.   Her time supporting students as a Peer Mentor and as NSCAD’s Student Food Bank Supervisor motivated her to join the student union to advocate for students and to help them navigate their way while at NSCAD. “I have a long-standing connection to NSCAD where I first studied as a fledging 18-year-old in the era that first put NSCAD onto the world stage. I am passionate in my commitment to be a serving member of both the Board of Governors, as a student union representative, and as a student to support the Institution.”  

Alumni Governor, Member (2023-2026) 

Member, Audit & Risk Oversight Committee 

Ken Rice (BA, BFA) is currently a Faculty Administrator at Dalhousie University. A specialist in communication, customer service, and organizational effectiveness. Known for his supportive approach in assisting students and colleagues alike to `navigate the academic world’. Previous positions include Advancement Services Officer, Admissions & Recruitment Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant for NSCAD; Executive Assistant and Academic Staff Manager for Dalhousie University; Manager of Social Media for Health Nutz; and Community Connector for Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. 

Ken received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from NSCAD. His previous service for Dalhousie includes three years on the Faculty Safety Committee. For NSCAD, Ken has served as a Member-At-Large for the Alumni Association, as a pension and health benefits advisor for the Joint Benefits Committee, and as a Co-Chair for the Occupational Health and Safety Committee.  “NSCAD has been a part of my life for almost 30 years and to have the opportunity to give back is an honour.  I have focused the better part of my professional life in higher education and hope to share those glimmers of insight whenever possible.”  

Governor-At-Large (2023-2026)

Secretary  (2022-2023)

President, NSCAD Alumni Association (2021-2023)

Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee 

Pronouns: he, him and they, them 

 Sunil Sarwal (BDes) is an award-winning brand strategist known for his work in the Canadian food and drink industry. An alumnus of NSCAD with a degree in Design Communication, he has remained in contact with the school since graduating and has served as the President of the NSCAD Alumni Association from 2021-2023. Currently, he is the branding consultant and owner for the Small Monsters. 

As a member of the non-white and queer communities, Sunil hopes to bring his perspective on issues of equity and inclusion to the Board, with the goal of helping to make the institution a more welcoming place for all.  

President of NSCAD 

Member, Advancement Committee 

Member, Audit & Risk Committee 

Member, Financial & Physical Resources Committee  

Member, Governance and Human Resources Committee  

Dr. Peggy Shannon (BA, MFA, PhD) administrative appointments include Associate Vice Provost (University of California); Dean (San Diego State University); Chair (Toronto Metropolitan University); and currently, President (NSCAD University.) She served as Principal Investigator of the SSHRC-funded 2011-2013 Partnership Development Grant to study gender and war. Her “Women and War: A Comparison Between Canada and Greece” involved partners in Canada, the USA, and Greece. This research grew into to the global initiative, The Women & War Project, involving universities and arts centres in ten countries. Intended to build knowledge and offer a unique approach to trauma and gender research, researchers worked alongside practicing artists, military mental health researchers, and neurologists to examine artistic, scientific, and therapeutic aspects of gendered trauma and its release.  

 

Beginning in 2017, Dr. Shannon has served as Director/Producer of The Crossing Borders Project, an arts initiative that explores identity and migration. The work has been produced in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the USA. Dr. Shannon has served on selection committees for the California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, the US Government’s Fund for Improving Postsecondary Education, the Canadian Military and Veteran Health Research Forum, and the National Playwrights Foundation. She was an Associate Editor of the Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, a judge for the Global Undergraduate Awards, and a Fulbright Senior Specialist. She holds a PhD from the University of London; an MFA from the University of Washington; and a BA from the University of California. 

Governor At Large (2023-2026) 

Member, Advancement Committee 

Dayna Sharkey (BDes, BFA) is a seasoned creative leader with a career spanning over two decades, marked by a track record of excellence in brand development, art direction, and creative innovation. Dayna has held pivotal roles at global organizations, including Gap, Inc., Amazon Fashion EU, Restoration Hardware, and Gymboree, where she has consistently spearheaded the creative direction and photographic vision for various prominent brands. Her ability to translate merchandising and marketing strategies into captivating branded visual executions, along with her adeptness at nurturing robust cross-functional relationships, has been instrumental in driving brand success and elevating customer engagement. 

Dayna holds a Bachelor of Design in Communication Design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD University. Her dedication to the art of communication and design, coupled with her extensive professional experience, underpins her enthusiasm for serving on the NSCAD Board of Governors. Dayna is dedicated to contributing her wealth of expertise and insights to NSCAD, with the goal of advancing its growth and fostering excellence in creative education. 

 

Student Board Member (2023-2024) 

Owen Skeen (he/him) is studying Fine Arts at NSCAD and is currently serving as President of SUNSCAD. He previously worked as Chair of SUNSCAD. His interests include studying the history of avant-garde art from the 20th century, as well as the post-contemporary art of today. 

 

Board of Governors Vice-Chair (2023-2024)

Governor-In-Council (2022-2025) 

Member, Advancement Committee (Vice-Chair) 

Kathryn Toope is currently Director of Marketing & Communications with 
Verecan Group of Companies, Halifax, Nova Scotia. She serves on the School Advisory Councils for the junior and senior high schools in her community and is a member of the Arthritis Society’s 30th Anniversary Celebrity Roast Committee. Previously, Kathryn was a member of the Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority board. 

Kathryn was appointed to the board in September 2022. She possesses a passion for the creative process. A published writer and visual arts hobbyist, she is a lifelong fan of NSCAD and its tremendous impact on both students and the public. She staunchly believes that NSCAD continues to shape the culture within Nova Scotia, and the landscape of the arts in Canada & far beyond.  

Governor-In-Council (2015-2025) 

Member, Governance & Human Resources Committee (Chair)  

Senate / Academic Governance Representative (2022-2024) 

Faculty Forum / Academic Governance Representative (2022-2024) 

Dave Van De Wetering (B.Comm, MBA) launched his working career within the telecommunications industry, presently with Ciena Canada, but the first half of his career with Nortel, Rogers and Bell. He grew up in Stratford, ON, home of Canada’s largest theatre festival, studied at Mount Allison, worked in Vancouver, and earned his MBA from Université Laval. 

He started volunteering on the NSCAD Board of Governors when appointed a Governor in Council in 2015.   He has served as Chair of Audit Risk and Oversight and Vice-Chair of the Board.  He is now serving as Chair of Governance + Human Resources, and as the Board of Governor’s representative to NSCAD’s Senate and Faculty Forum.  Best move, in 1998, with his wife Moira, and their two children, Emma and Conor, was moving to Nova Scotia. 

Life Governors

– Arthur Ian Austen
– Rob Cameron
– John E. L. Carruthers
– Elizabeth Currie
– Dr. Michael Donovan
– Dr. Tom Forrestall
– Dr. Margaret Fountain
– Charles Fowler
– Dr. Robert Geraghty
– Paul Goodman
– Charlotte Wilson-Hammond
– Linda Hutchison, BDes 1979
– Kim Knoll
– G. Grant Machum

– Gillian McCain
– Deborah McLean
– David Murphy

– Dr. David Silcox 
– Gregory Silver
– Jeff Somerville
– Gordon Whittaker

– Frank Van Wie Penick