Business leader Rustum Southwell named new chancellor of Dalhousie University
HALIFAX, NS – Business and community leader Rustum Southwell takes over as ninth chancellor of Dalhousie University.
Southwell replaces outgoing Chancellor Scott Brison. In the new role, Southwell will be responsible for overseeing convocation ceremonies in the spring and fall, serving on the board of trustees and advocating for the university.
“Being Chancellor is an ideal appointment for someone with the impressive character of Mr Southwell, someone who has spent his entire life and career helping people grow, prosper and succeed,” said Cheryl Fraser, Chairman of the Board of board of Dalhousie. .
Born in Saint Kitts in the Caribbean, Southwell is the founder and CEO of the Black Business Initiative (BBI). With the BBI, Southwell led efforts to create and expand a large number of black-owned businesses and advocated for their participation in economic development strategies.
He served on the boards of directors of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, United Way Halifax, Nova Scotia Community College and was the inaugural president of Hope Blooms Youth Ventures.
Southwell said he is honored to be given the part.
“It’s an opportunity for me to share some of my own wisdom, if you want to call it that, to think about the community and speak to the young people who are emerging, the next generation that we’re mentoring,” he said.
“Dalhousie has an important mandate in education and the community and I’m eager to play a part in moving that work forward.”
Southwell’s official installation as chancellor will take place during the autumn convocation ceremonies in November, the start of a three-year term.
