K’jipuktuk/Halifax – The NSCAD Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyla Mallett as the university’s next President.
Currently serving as Vice-President (Academic and Research) and Provost, Mallett will assume the role of President on January 1, 2027.
The appointment was approved by the Board of Governors following a comprehensive international search to identify the leader best positioned to advance NSCAD’s mission and guide the university through its next phase of growth and development.
Since joining NSCAD in 2025 as Provost, she has worked closely with students, faculty, staff and community partners to strengthen academic planning, lead the development of a Strategic Enrolment Management plan, support faculty research, and foster greater collaboration across the university community. During her first year, she focused on building strong relationships across the institution while advancing key academic and strategic priorities. Building on NSCAD’s existing work, Mallett is committed to further advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) across the university.
“The Board’s decision reflects the confidence we have in Kyla and her great experience as a skilled administrator,” said Bill Barker, Chair of NSCAD’s Board of Governors. “She has already made a significant contribution to the university, and throughout the search process it became increasingly clear that she was the right person to lead NSCAD forward. We are hopeful about our future under her leadership.”
“I am grateful to the Board for the opportunity to serve as NSCAD’s next President,” said Mallett. “Over the past year I have had the privilege of getting to know this remarkable community and experiencing firsthand the creativity, passion and commitment that make NSCAD so unique. I look forward to continuing to work alongside students, faculty and staff as we build on the university’s strengths and shape its future together.”
An artist, scholar, and academic leader, Mallett brings more than 20 years of experience in post-secondary education. Prior to joining NSCAD, she served for seven years as Dean of the Audain Faculty of Art at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, following a series of increasingly senior academic leadership appointments and more than a decade as a faculty member. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia. Her artistic practice has been exhibited nationally and explores the intersections of culture and language through photography, text, media, and print-based work.
“Having worked closely with Kyla over the past year, I have seen the thoughtful and collaborative leadership she brings to the university,” said David B. Smith, Interim President. “She has already made a significant contribution to NSCAD and has earned the trust of colleagues across the institution. I look forward to working closely with Kyla over the coming months and supporting a smooth transition into thepresidency.”
Mallett will continue to serve as Vice-President (Academic and Research) and Provost through December 31, while working with Smith and university leadership to ensure a smooth transition and continuity across NSCAD. The university will share more information with the NSCAD community about the next steps for the Provost role in the coming weeks.