Rustum Southwell to Continue as Dalhousie Chancellor Until 2029

Dalhousie University Extends Rustum Southwell’s Term as Chancellor Through 2029, Recognizing His Leadership, Community Service, and Commitment to Student Success.

• Bonnie Johnson
• July 03, 2026
• Media Article

Dalhousie University has reappointed Rustum Southwell, founder of the Black Business Initiative, to a second three-year term as chancellor following his successful 2023 installation.

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Dalhousie University has reappointed Rustum Southwell as chancellor for a second three-year term following approval by the university’s Board of Governors on June 23, 2026.
 

The renewed appointment means Southwell will continue serving in the institution’s highest ceremonial position through 2029.
 

The announcement comes after the conclusion of Dalhousie’s Spring Convocation, where nearly 4,000 graduates were recognized across 21 ceremonies. Reflecting on the experience, Southwell emphasized the significance of celebrating students’ achievements.
 

“The three years go by very quickly,” said Southwell. “And a week like this reminds me of why it matters: getting to see the young people walking across the stage, graduating, having a personal moment with them and being part of this important day. It’s the best part of the role.”
 

Installed as chancellor in 2023, Southwell is widely recognized as the founder of the Black Business Initiative, Canada’s longest-running Black-owned business development organization.
 

Originally from the Caribbean Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, he came to Halifax as an international student to study Psychology at Dalhousie before establishing a distinguished career in business and economic development.
 

Over the years, Southwell has maintained strong ties with the university by supporting scholarship initiatives within the Faculty of Management, contributing to fundraising efforts for the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies, and receiving an honorary degree from Dalhousie in 2018.
 

“Rustum brings a rare combination of warmth, purpose and imagination to the chancellor role at Dalhousie,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Kim Brooks.
 

“He understands the ceremonial importance but also sees something more in it: a chance to help students feel the full weight of what they have achieved, and to ask how his own remarkable life and legacy might continue to open doors for others. We are incredibly fortunate he will continue as chancellor for a second term.”
 

Looking ahead, Southwell hopes to create a lasting legacy beyond convocation ceremonies. “I’m no spring chicken anymore,” Southwell says with a laugh.
 

“But those first three years really did go by so fast, and I want to find the best way I can to leave something here that lasts.”
 

He also reflected on the values instilled by his parents and how they continue to inspire his commitment to serving others.
 

“Coming here to Nova Scotia, and all of my experiences working with the Black community and entrepreneurs, it all made me want to leverage my position to help more folks participate fully… I did not ever expect being a university chancellor to be part of that journey, but on a day like Convocation you really see what it means for those graduates to be seen and be part of something like this. It’s powerful.”
 

Photo by: dal.ca