chancellor

The Board of Governors of St. Thomas University have appointed Sandra Irving as Chancellor.

Irving received an honorary degree for her societal contributions from St. Thomas in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Arts with distinction from the University of New Brunswick Saint John and a Master of Arts from the University of Toronto.

“Sandra Irving has long been a champion of higher education and a leading supporter of students in the region, so we are honoured that she has agreed to become Chancellor during this exciting time in our development,” said Vaughn Sturgeon, Chair of the St. Thomas University Board of Governors.

Irving will succeed the Hon. Graydon Nicholas and will be installed at STU’s Spring Convocation on May 20, 2026.

“What Sandra Irving and her late husband, Arthur, liked to do best was help students. She is an advocate for young people, embodying the values of higher education and community service. As Chancellor, she will reflect the aspirations of our students and alumni,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. M. Nauman Farooqi.

Farooqi added that Irving and her late husband have made an enduring and transformative contribution to higher education in New Brunswick and across Canada.

Irving is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of New Brunswick for her contributions as a philanthropist and community volunteer. She has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club, and the Canadian Red Cross in New Brunswick Humanitarian Award.