About Dalhousie...

Dr. Shaver (Abriel photo)

The first thing one would have noticed had they visited the office of Dr. Alan Shaver this summer is that DalhousieÕs new Vice-President Academic is a man in transition. Coming to Dalhousie from McGill University in Montreal, his move wasnÕt quite complete at the time of this interview: the walls were a little bare, the books were a little scattered, and his schedule was full of introductory meetings.

The second thing they would notice is likely the ponytail.

A self-confessed Òchild of the hippy era,” Dr. Shaver still maintains his ponytail haircut even as his work finds him wearing suit jackets and ties along with it. ItÕs a fitting reflection of Dr. Shaver himself: an experienced and professional administrator whoÕs still able and willing to take a few minutes to discuss the philosophical ideas that drive the university experience.

The Mission

ÒSome say our mission as a university is excellence,” says Dr. Shaver. ÒI disagree. ThatÕs a measure to the degree that we succeed in our mission. Is it teaching and research? ThatÕs more a means to an end. Our mission, really, is to generate new knowledge and understanding for the benefit of people. ItÕs that simple. If we didnÕt have universities, weÕd be struggling to invent them.”  He continues: ÒIt may appear to be a simple mission but itÕs an incredibly broad one that includes undergraduate teaching, graduate and professional teaching, research, and outreach into our off-campus communities.”

Dr. Shaver has been addressing that mission his entire career as a professor and researcher. A chemist at McGill for over 30 years, Dr. Shaver has published over 125 articles in major chemistry journals and has received continuous NSERC support since 1975. In recent years he has embraced opportunities to move into administrative roles, sitting as chair of his department and most recently serving two terms as McGillÕs Dean of Science.

ÒBy going into administration I could help more people and build my own understanding of the university environment,” he says. ÒIt allows me to take that next step in understanding the university mission and become a bigger part of it.”

A Golden Age of Learning

While Dr. Shaver is in the midst of his own transition, it pales in comparison to the changes that universities are facing as they enter the 21st century, changes that Dr. Shaver could not be more excited about. With technology rapidly altering our daily lives and interdisciplinary learning breaking down barriers between disciplines, Dr. Shaver believes that weÕre on the cusp of what he calls Òa golden age of learning.”

ÒWeÕre facing an acceleration of the potential for learning,” he says. ÒWeÕre going to wipe away old perceptions of our limitations as learning becomes increasingly interdisciplinary. And students are an essential partner in this process, and can play an essential role at schools like Dalhousie.”

Dr. Shaver says that heÕs looking forward to learning more about Dalhousie and forming new relationships with its faculty, staff and students. HeÕs heard great things about the school from his colleagues at McGill, with numerous coworkers complimenting the elite talent that Dalhousie welcomes through its doors. ÒNow that IÕve been here two months, IÕve been really impressed by the depths of excellence that run through Dalhousie,” he says.

ÒTo dedicate your life to universities is a tremendously valuable thing to do. IÕm very privileged to be able to choose that career and be able to continue with it here at Dalhousie.”

About Dalhousie is a new feature that profiles faculty, staff and students from all corners of campus. If you have a suggestion for a profile subject, e-mail Dawn.Morrison@dal.ca