HALIFAX, N.S.—Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Deane as the institution’s new Academic Dean for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Deane succeeds the Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis, who is retiring after more than 20 years of dedicated service to the university community in a wide variety of roles.

Dr. Deane is an accomplished scholar, author, and educator who is already well-known within the AST community, having served as Associate Professor of Theology at AST for 17 years. He earned his BA, MA, and PhD from Trinity College, Dublin. Before joining the faculty at AST, he served as the Theologian in Residence at Colorado State University.

A versatile teacher, Dr. Deane’s expertise spans Roman Catholic Theology, Christian doctrine, Moral Theology, Apologetics, and Christian anarchism. He is a prominent voice in public theology, frequently providing commentary for radio and television and contributing to major international publications, including the Times of London, the Irish Times, and the Irish Independent.

“I am delighted to appoint Dr. Deane as Academic Dean at AST,” shared the Rev. Dr. Heather McCance, President of AST. “David brings a rare combination of theological depth and forward‑looking leadership, grounded in a deep commitment to the Church’s mission and to AST’s ecumenical character.”

“He approaches challenges with hope and creativity, treats people with fairness, and brings a sense of humour that brightens our work together,” added Rev. Dr. McCance. “His care for students is genuine, and I look forward to working with him in this next chapter.”

“At the same time, I offer my personal gratitude to the Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine‑Gillis, whose steady leadership and foundational work in academic program assessment have strengthened AST in ways that will last for a long time.”

Dr. Deane noted that theology is a path to knowing and being transformed by God. “Transformed people change the world,” added the incoming Academic Dean. “I am beyond excited to take on this role in support of our students as they become the agents of change that our world so deeply needs.”

The university also wishes to express its profound gratitude to Rev. Dr. MacAlpine-Gillis. Her mighty impact on the institution has shaped the academic landscape of AST and left a lasting legacy among faculty, staff, and students alike.

Rev. Dr. MacAlpine-Gillis is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and has served as AST’s Academic Dean since July 2023, following a distinguished career in ministry and education. She earned her MDiv from Atlantic School of Theology and a DMin from Bangor Theological Seminary.

“It has been my pleasure to serve as Dean for the past three years, and I am delighted that Dr. Deane is taking on this important role in the life of AST,” reflected Rev. Dr. MacAlpine-Gillis. “David brings creativity, humour, deep faithfulness, and a love for AST and our students.”

About AST

Atlantic School of Theology (AST) serves Christ’s mission by shaping effective and faithful ordained and lay leaders and understanding among communities of faith. An ecumenical school of theology and Christian ministry, AST was founded in 1971 through a historic partnership between the Anglican Church of Canada (Divinity Faculty of the University of King’s College), the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Halifax (Holy Heart Theological Seminary), and the United Church of Canada (Pine Hill Divinity Hall). This marked the first time in Canada that Protestant and Roman Catholic churches jointly created an ecumenical institution for theological education.

Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, AST offers a Master of Divinity degree, a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, and (in partnership with Saint Mary’s University) a Master of Arts (Theology and Religion) degree. A Bachelor of Theology is offered at the undergraduate level. Among our non-degree offerings are the Diploma in Theological Studies, Diploma in the New Evangelization, Diploma in Intergenerational Faith Formation, and various continuing education classes.