AST News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Call for Nominations - Honourary Doctor of Divinity 2025 (MS Word)
- Call for Nominations - Associate 2025 (MS Word)
- Closing date for nominations: Extended to January 13, 2025
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
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.
- Recipient: John Stevens
- Honourable Mention: Jim Gunn
- Honourable Mention: Stella Lord
The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award 2024
- Call for Nominations (PDF)
- Information (PDF)
- Nomination Form: MS Word / PDF
- Consent Form: MS Word / PDF
- Submission deadline: All materials must be received by September 16, 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.
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.
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.
- Call for Nominations - Honourary Doctor of Divinity 2024 (MS Word)
- Call for Nominations - Associate 2024 (MS Word)
- Closing date for nominations: January 10, 2024
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.