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Congratulations to our Dal Health Class of 2025! Get to know more of our featured grads.

In this Convocation Q&A, learn about Miguel Nkeng, a Recreation management graduate from Toronto.

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

I have been a student-athlete my entire life. I love learning about wellness and health, human performance, sport psychology, sport management and how to operate at your best to live life to the fullest. Rec management was a mix of wellness, management, health science, and leisure, which fit my interests.

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget?

Meeting Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch and conducting professional research for the first time all in six weeks and then presenting in front of professors and health professionals. It was a new experience, but it felt very natural to me.

Who supported you along the way and how?

Dr. Hamilton-Hinch is the reason I stayed at Dal and finished my degrees. She was the best thing that happened to me at Dal. She encouraged me to visit her office, speak about my experience at Dal as a Black man and the challenges we face in society and on campus.

She gave me an opportunity to volunteer with the Rec-O program, she gave me an opportunity to travel to Ghana, West Africa through her study abroad course and also provided me with a professional research scholarship job, which opened up my perspective on university and research.

Miguel looking at his favourite quote at the Kwame Nkrumah Museum in Accra, Ghana

Outside of Dr. Hamilton-Hinch, my mother in Toronto supported me the entire way with her positivity, patience, and encouragement to just keep pushing through. She is my rock and foundation and without her I would never be so strong. Alongside her, my coach/mentor was very present in my life in Nova Scotia and helped me navigate life as a young Black man trying to succeed through sport, education, and life.

Is there a course/research topic/placement or project that really impacted you?

Dr. Hamilton- Hinch’s independent study course was extremely impactful. Seven students and I travelled to Ghana, West Africa for three weeks. It was the first time I travelled off North American soil. It was such a blessing. I was exposed to an entirely different culture and pace in the world and learned a great deal about history, culture, African ancestry, health disparities and miseducation amongst the global Black population. It also made me take education more seriously, and I became inspired to pursue my masters.

I also conducted professional research based on current and past students' experiences traveling abroad to international Black Centered environments through Dr. Barb’s course.  

What does graduating mean to you?

It means a lot because I am continuing the expectations and standards for my family. My mother, aunties, grandfather and siblings are all post-secondary graduates. Following their footsteps and keeping our standard of valuing education is key. It has also been a long time coming for me, and it’s refreshing to see some of the fruits of your labour flourish.

What is next for you?

Searching for more work within professional basketball organizations across North America. Continue leading and building foundations in Ghana with youth development, education and basketball organizatiosn and player development. Also, a masters of leisure and sport at Dalhousie University, with Dr. Hamilton– Hinch as my supervisor.