Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President & Vice-Chancellor, Mount Saint Vincent University

For our November 2017 Investor Spotlight, we talked to Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University (The Mount). The Mount is primarily an undergraduate university located in Halifax.

Tell us about The Mount and the greatest opportunities/challenges that lie ahead?

"I joined the Mount community as its 13th President and Vice-Chancellor this past summer, and I am in awe of the many amazing things happening on campus. From a new Centre for Applied Research in Human Health set to transform our research infrastructure when it opens next year, to the tremendous work being done with the Aboriginal community, it is an exciting time to be at the Mount.

Our focus in the years ahead will continue to be ensuring teaching, learning and research opportunities of the highest quality for faculty, staff and, foremost, students from Nova Scotia, across Canada, and around the world. Like most universities in our province, and indeed our country, we are facing enrolment challenges in light of demographic shifts. In response, we will continue our strategic recruitment and student engagement efforts towards attracting energetic young minds to our region."

What do you see as the greatest advantages of operating a business in Halifax?

"Halifax is an incredible intellectual hub. We are home to a network of universities that is a tremendous advantage for our city and province, and that truly sets us apart. Through the students we teach, and faculty and staff we employ, our universities help ensure a rich talent pool for a diversity of organizations. And our connections with the business community mean rich experiential opportunities for our students. Our students and graduates bring a valuable perspective to the table and have a tremendous amount to offer their employers.

And, just as Halifax is a thriving intellectual and research hub, we are also a cultural and artistic hub. The diversity of our strengths is in itself a strength."

Hiring youth is important to the economic growth of Nova Scotia. What is the Mount doing?

"Every program at the Mount now has an internship, co-op, or practicum opportunity attached, meaning opportunity for students to get valuable applied experience and help build their resumes while they are still in school. At the same time, we are readying the employees of tomorrow for the Nova Scotia businesses with whom we work. It’s a win-win for the business community and our students.

Our Student Works program also makes on-campus employment opportunities available to Mount students. Year-round, many departments hire Mount students – academic departments, the Student Recruitment office, Communications & Marketing, Accessibility Services, and more.

As well, the Centre for Women in Business (CWB) at the Mount is contributing to entrepreneurial growth as Canada’s only university-based business development centre exclusively for women, including many clients who are young women. The Centre supports women-owned enterprises across Nova Scotia – in fact, since it opened in 1992, the CWB has assisted more than 14,000 entrepreneurs.

Lastly, of special note, we’re excited to help advance the work of the non-profit sector through a new program launching in September 2018. Our non-profit leadership program is focused on community and global leadership and will prepare students for careers that make a difference in Halifax and beyond."

Learn more about Mount Saint Vincent University