New Associate Vice President for Students

Nova Scotia Agricultural College is pleased to announce the appointment of Keltie Jones to the position of Associate Vice President Academic for Students.

Formerly Dean of Counseling and Student Services at American River College in Sacramento, California, Jones brings a wealth of experience in meeting the needs of university students. Jones supervised counseling, athletic advising, transfer, articulation, orientation and other student support programs.

“Keltie has the skills and experiences needed to understand the needs of our growing student population at NSAC,” says Dr. Leslie MacLaren, Co-President, Vice President Academic.

According to surveys by the Association of Atlantic Universities, student enrollment at NSAC has risen in each of the past three years, while overall enrollment to Atlantic Canada’s universities has declined. Students choosing to study at NSAC are making a difference at the university and in their communities. In fact, four difference-makers are featured on the university’s academic calendar this year.

Jones has seen the impact one student can have time and time again in her career. The memory of one particular UC Davis student stays with her. Although the student died suddenly, in a tragic car accident, she left a legacy of activism with her fellow students and community. "She made an extraordinary difference in the world during her short life because she wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in, and motivated others to do so as well,” says Jones.

Jones also cites the importance of providing a variety of learning opportunities beyond the classroom, a feature NSAC is well positioned to offer. “Students want to be actively engaged in their education,” says Jones. “They seek interactive learning through hands-on work and technology, and personalization.”

NSAC offers students a unique 12 to 1, student-to-faculty ratio, along with interactive learning opportunities both in Nova Scotia and internationally.

“The addition of Keltie to our team will allow us to improve and expand our educational partnerships and services provided to students,” says MacLaren.

Jones grew up in Nova Scotia then left to study International Relations at Stanford University. She went on to study law at UC Davis. After practicing law for several years, Jones found her passion for higher education when she took on a student services position at UC Davis. She then moved on to become Dean of Counseling and Student Services at American River College.