AST News

Collective Bargaining At AST

At the Atlantic School of Theology, we hold our faculty in the highest regard. Their dedication to teaching and shaping faithful and effective leaders is at the heart of our mission and essential to the distinctive academic and spiritual environment we strive to offer our students.

Throughout collective bargaining with the AST Faculty Association, our approach has been grounded in respect, transparency, and a deep appreciation for the vital contributions each faculty member makes. We are seeking to achieve an agreement that is both fair to our faculty and financially sustainable for our institution.

Earlier this month, the ASTFA voted in favour of strike action. While this does not mean a strike is happening immediately, it does mean job action is a possibility as early as July 1. We will be returning to negotiations on Monday, June 30 with the assistance of a provincially-appointed Conciliator. 

Like many small post-secondary institutions across Canada, AST faces complex and converging pressures. We are working diligently to steward limited resources with care, to uphold our mission, and to support our AST community.  

We remain hopeful that we can achieve a mutually respectful outcome—one that recognizes the tremendous work of our faculty while ensuring AST’s ability to serve future generations.

Please hold in prayer all who are involved in our ongoing conversations.

 

 

AST Journal "Along the Arm" Launches

This new journal contains highlights of student and faculty research and writing in the past academic year. Student contributions illustrate excellent academic achievement and have been nominated for publication by respective course professors. 

AST Journal - Vol 1

An image of the cover to AST Journal, Volume 1

AST Awarded "Pathways for Tomorrow" Collaborative Project Planning Grant

Atlantic School of Theology has been awarded a $50,000 USD Planning Grant to work with its collaborating partners to develop a full proposal for a Large-scale Collaboration Grant as part of the Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. The Large-scale Collaboration Grants are intended to support the institutional capacities of the collaborating organizations to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian churches.

Read the full announcement

Mourning the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

Atlantic School of Theology joins with people all around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pope Francis brought a distinctive voice to global Christianity one marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and care for the most marginalized in our world. His pontificate consistently encouraged a Church that is open, listening, and rooted in mercy. Read more

Convocation 2025 Honourees Announced

AST will award a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, to Dr. Judy Haiven and to Dr. Larry Haiven, who are both being recognized for their work through Independent Jewish Voices. In addition, Pat Cassidy will be recognized as an Associate of AST, and the Rev. Dr. Susan Willhauck will receive the status of Professor Emerita.

Read the full announcement

AST Receives Pathways for Tomorrow Planning Grant

We are pleased to announce that AST has received a $50,000 Planning Grant to begin a consultation process that will lead to an application for a $1 Million USD “Pathways for Tomorrow” grant from the Lilly Endowment later this year.

Read the full announcement

AST Mourns Former President, the Rev. Canon Dr. Eric Beresford

The Rev. Dr. Linda Yates, Chair of the Board of Governors, and the Rev. Dr. Heather McCance, President of Atlantic School of Theology express the University's deep sorrow on the sudden passing of the Rev. Canon Dr. Eric Beresford.

Read the full announcement

Call for Nominations - AST Honourary Doctor of Divinity and Associate

The AST Honourary Degree Committee invites nominations for the honourary doctor of divinity degree and associate designation (to be awarded at Convocation 2025) from the members of AST Senate, Board of Governors, Founding Parties, Students, and Alumni. Links below provide criteria and application forms.

Faculty Promotions and Recognitions

The AST Board of Governors recently approved promotions and recognitions for

  • Dr. Evangeline Kozitza-Dean
  • The Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell
  • The Rev. Dr. Susan Willhauck

Read the full announcement

AST Announces Recipients of the
Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award 2024

The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Awards were handed out on November 19. This award honours exceptional community outreach that is recognized as having provided significant benefit to the wider community. The individuals listed below received awards this year for their unwavering commitment to service through faith, and we congratulate them all.

Read the full news release

The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award 2024

AST Signs Can't Buy My Silence Pledge

June 4, 2024 - Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is pleased to join other universities in signing the “Can’t Buy My Silence” university pledge, a campaign that calls for the elimination of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) that attempt to silence victims from speaking out in cases of sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct. The AST Board of Governors passed a motion to accept this policy at its most recent board meeting, making AST the third university in Nova Scotia to do so.

Read the full news release

AST Convocation 2024 Honourees

April 4, 2024 - Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia, will receive a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, at AST's upcoming convocation.  In addition, Gracey Southwell, CMA, CP, will be recognized as an Associate of Atlantic School of Theology. Convocation 2024 takes place on May 4, 2024.

Read the full news release

Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis Appointed to the position of AST Academic Dean

January 4, 2024 - AST is thrilled to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis as full-time Academic Dean,  effective immediately. Susan has served as Acting Academic Dean since July of 2023. “I am truly delighted that Susan has agreed to continue a full term as our Academic Dean,” said AST President, the Rev. Dr. Heather McCance. “She brings a wealth of experience in the worlds of church and academy, and her history with our university as well as her passion and competence in this work is a real gift to us all.”

“We are beginning our new year with some good news. President McCance has informed me that Dr. McAlpine-Gillis has agreed to become Academic Dean. Dr. MacAlpine-Gillis was originally asked to be the Academic Dean. She requested the “acting” status as she wanted to assess whether she felt called to the role. In her short time in the role, she has demonstrated both call and exceptional capacity” said Linda Yates, Chair of AST Board of Governors.

AST looks forward this exciting chapter under the Rev. Dr. MacAlpine-Gillis's leadership, as the university remains committed to its mission of shaping faithful and effective leaders and understanding among communities of faith.

AST opens call for nominations for Honourary Doctor of Divinity and Associate

To be awarded at convocation 2024. Links below provide criteria and application forms.

AST Announces Exciting Launch of Bachelor of Theology Program

AST is thrilled to announce the launch of a Bachelor of Theology Program, adding to its theological education offerings and welcoming undergraduates to study theology and/or prepare for ministry. Students can study online and on our beautiful campus in Halifax. The 30-credit Bachelor of Theology can be completed in three years, even less if students opt to study year-round. This degree is perfect for those feeling called to lay or ordained ministry, and who want to develop pastoral skills and a critical understanding of Scripture as well as church history and theology. Read the full news release.