David C. Dingwall

First 100 Days in Office

The installation of David C. Dingwall as the seventh president and vice-chancellor of Cape Breton University was more than ceremony.

Indeed, it was a celebration that brought together many people who care about the future of Cape Breton Island’s only university but, most significantly, it signalled a new era for CBU.

In his installation speech, President Dingwall shared with the crowd of more than 300, “To ensure the sustainability of Cape Breton University and Cape Breton Island, we must work together. We must lay out a blueprint for our future. And then we must execute.” A promise that he has quickly put into action, launching a process for a strategic plan just weeks into his term. Led by a steering committee and designed with ample opportunities for internal and external stakeholders to engage in the process, this is the first time, since 2001, that CBU has completed this important exercise.

“For a long time, the financial plan was driving decision-making. Going forward, the strategic plan will provide direction for purposeful actions that collectively will help us reach our goals,” he said.

President Dingwall committed to an open and inclusive process, with no predefined outcomes set. In the end, there will be a strategic plan and a clear vision for CBU, created with input from all those who chose to be involved in the process.

Almost immediately, President Dingwall, along with steering committee members, began meeting with and hearing from people across the island. Meetings and conversations have been held in all four counties and the five Mi’kmaw communities on Cape Breton Island to maximize the diversity of perspectives.

“We are on a journey, and, together, we are going to discover what the next five years will look like for CBU. I see growth in our future but, to achieve this, we must think innovatively and then be disciplined in our execution. We will also have to decide what we are no longer going to do.”

A series of consultations, boot camps, special events, and pop-up sessions related to the student experience, research, mental health, teaching, indigenization, among other relevant topics, have defined the process.

Near the end of the consultation process, a two-day grand meeting was held for all faculty and staff of Cape Breton University. During these sessions, more than 400 CBU employees worked together to strengthen the proposed strategic directions that emerged from the consultation process. The two days were filled with thoughtful discussion, enthusiasm and hope for the future. The plan is set to be put to the CBU Board of Governors for approval in late October.

One point that President Dingwall has been firm on, since he was first announced as the next president of CBU, is the importance of Cape Breton University to the future prosperity of Cape Breton Island. As the sole university in the only significantly-sized urban centre outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality, CBU is critical to the region’s advancement, driving economic, cultural and social activity on Cape Breton Island. The university contributes more than $85 million in household income and its international student population enriches communities while adding nearly $51.3 million to the economy of Cape Breton.

“The CBU community consists of accomplished and seasoned faculty, dedicated staff, a cooperative and inquisitive Senate and union representatives who are focused and unafraid to ask tough questions, combined with a talented and motivated student body. It is an exciting environment to be a part of,” says President Dingwall.

Since taking office, President Dingwall has experienced what he has known to be true of Cape Breton University and, that is, the quality of the faculty, staff and students. In his view, the energy, commitment and passion to advance the university is undeniably shared across campus.

This new path will be forged with the release of the strategic plan this fall. Clear directions and goals will propel Cape Breton University, and the island, into the future.

To ensure the sustainability of Cape Breton University and Cape Breton Island, we must work together. We must lay out a blueprint for our future. And then we must execute. David C. Dingwall

SUBMITTED PHOTO David C. Dingwall is the seventh president and vice-chancellor at Cape Breton University.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The instillation of David C. Dingwall as president and vice-chancellor at Cape Breton University on April 6, 2018. He is joined by CBU chancellor Annette Verschuren.

CAPE BRETON POST PHOTO Cape Breton University president and vice-chancellor David C. Dingwall speaks during a community consultation July 3 in Sydney River.

ELIZABETH PATTERSON/CAPE BRETON POST David C. Dingwall receives an eagle feather from Stephen Augustine during the installation services.

NIKKI SULLIVAN/CAPE BRETON POST David C. Dingwall stressed community input from all four counties and all five First Nations in Cape Breton as an important part of the five-year strategy he and his team have developed for Cape Breton University. He made the speech May 28 in Membertou.