Peter Ricketts installed as Acadia’s 16th president
Dr. Peter J. Ricketts has become the 16th president and vice- chancellor of Acadia University.
Friday at the installation ceremony, he pledged Acadia will be true to its traditions and values, will continue to develop as a global university and will be a force for improving the common good of humankind in Canada and around the world
Presided over by Chancellor Libby Burnham, the ceremony took place at the Manning Memorial Chapel.
It was attended by almost 200 guests representing campus, community and universities from across Canada, including Chancellor Emeritus Arthur L. Irving.
“When I came to Canada in 1978 for a nine- month lectureship at the University of Windsor, never intending to stay, I would never have imagined that I would be standing here today being installed as a university president,” said Ricketts.
Ricketts began his term July 1 after a year- long search to replace outgoing president Ray Ivany. The chair of Acadia’s Board of Governors, John Rogers, introduced the new president.
“As chair of the search committee responsible for recruiting Peter, I know we couldn’t find anyone better suited for Acadia,” he said.
“His commitment to student success, his broad experience in post- secondary education from coast to coast in Canada, and his scholarly work in coastal ecosystems make him an ideal fit.”
“When I came to Canada in 1978 for a nine- month lectureship at the University of Windsor, never intending to stay, I would never have imagined that I would be standing here today being installed as a university president.”
Dr. Peter Ricketts
Ricketts recited an oath of office and received a symbolic key to the university. He changed from his own academic robes into robes crafted in Acadia’s red and blue.
During his remarks, Ricketts took time to acknowledge the importance of Acadia’s history and traditions.
“Acadia has not only embraced change but it is actually leading change; it is truly a university of the 21st century, yet we have
also held dear those traditions and values that have given us our own unique culture and character, that define us as a university, and that make Acadia so special.”
One feature of the ceremony was greetings brought by Chief Sidney Peters of the Glooscap First Nation. Ricketts has reached out to the Mi’kmaw people and the grand council flag now flies over the campus.
Ricketts pledged to make Acadia more inclusive, diverse and respectful.