Halifax, N.S. – The Board of Governors of Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of our multi-year capital campaign, Shaping Leaders. 

Launched in 2017 with a vision for campus renewal and innovative programming, this campaign has fundamentally strengthened AST’s ability to serve our students and the wider church.

An Ambitious Vision 

The campaign was launched with a bold vision to raise $11 million to support the mission of the university. This goal was built around five key funding priorities: 

1. Campus Renewal ($4M): Including the repurposing of the 1898 building as a centre for spirituality and interfaith dialogue. 
2. The Hayes Centre for Pastoral Theology and Care ($2.5M): A new institute for pastoral excellence. 
3. Student Financial Support ($2M): Expanding bursaries and scholarships. 
4. Interfaith Dialogue, Learning, and Research ($1.5M): A new program for a pluralistic world. 
5. Academic Innovation ($1M): Including the creation of a leadership institute. 

Adapting to Changing Realities 

Several phases of planning and execution followed the launch. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this work while it was in progress. The global shift made initial goals challenging and forced the university to adapt.  

While the total initial goal was not fully achieved, the Board is delighted to announce that $4.7 million in new funds were received by AST, and a further $600,000 was invested by Pine Hill Divinity Hall, for a total of $5.3 million in campaign-related impact. 

Transforming Our Campus and Programs

The $5.3 million in funding has been directed toward the following key pillars of the AST experience: 

Campus Renewal & Sustainability:

• $3 million was received from the Province of Nova Scotia for renovations of the Student Residence. 
• $250,000 from the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island was dedicated to the installation of solar panels on the library roof, creating a source of both clean energy and long-term income. 
• $600,000 expended by Pine Hill Divinity Hall for critical improvements to the 1898 Building, including a new accessible entrance, roofing, masonry repairs, and architectural fees. 

Academic Innovation & Pastoral Care:

• $250,000 funded by the Patrick Power Foundation towards the Hayes Symposium on Pastoral Care 
• $700,000 contributed by the Patrick Power Foundation for New Academic Programs and Student Financial Support, specifically supporting the Diploma in the New Evangelization program, teaching technology, and bursaries. 

Student Financial Support:

• $500,000 from Dr. Shu Yoon was allocated to AST’s bursary and scholarship endowment, ensuring long-term financial aid remains available for our students.
  

The Board of Governors officially concluded the capital campaign as of December 31, 2025. The Advancement Committee will now begin to study the next phase of major fundraising for the university.

A Message from Leadership

“The dedication of donors, staff, and leadership to the ongoing work of theological education at AST is a great gift for which we are all grateful,” shared AST President Rev. Dr. Heather McCance. “I know that some were disappointed when the COVID-19 pandemic scuttled plans for the Shaping Leaders Campaign to do even more than what it did achieve, but I am not one of them.

“The campaign achieved much. Through the generosity of partners and donors, our campus was renewed, our educational programming strengthened, and our students supported in their learning. Through all of this, AST grew in our capacity to shape faithful and effective lay and ordained leaders and understanding among communities of faith.” 

 With Sincere Gratitude

This success was a collective effort. The Board extends its deepest thanks to past President Neale Bennet, retired CAO Linda Moxsom-Skinner, former Stewardship Manager Dawn Robertson, and all who worked diligently to design and raise funds for this campaign.

Above all, we praise God’s providential goodness, and we thank our donors. Your belief in AST is the engine of our success. We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon to see first-hand the providential goodness your gifts have made possible.