Elizabeth Chard

Elizabeth A. Chard

Doctor of Civil Law

Born and educated in Halifax, Dr. Chard holds three degrees from Dalhousie University ? a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours in History); a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. She pursued graduate studies at McMaster University.

In 1961, she began her career at Saint Mary's as a lecturer in History (Nova Scotian, Canadian, American, and historiography) and served two terms as Chair of the Department.

When the University became co-educational in 1968, she also assumed the position of Dean of Women, then one year later, Dean of Residence (Women).

In 1973, she was offered the position of University Registrar ?for one year?. That year has stretched to 32 years during which the registry moved from a totally manual system to one involving a significant amount of computerization, first through the Student Information System (S.I.S.) implement in 1985 to the current Banner system. Not only has the method of work changed, but the number of students has risen from about 500 all male students in 1961 to approximately 8,600 students now in which the women exceed the men by approximately 4%. Another significant changes has been the further internationalization of the student body and campus.

Within the University community, Elizabeth has put her interest in excellence to work in many fields of endeavours, including athletic administration in that she was the first woman to serve as President of the then Atlantic University Athletic Association (A.U.A.A.) and also the first woman and first non-Athletic Director to become President of the Canadian Interuniversities Athletic Union (C.I.A.U.) of which she served two consecutive terms.

Outside the University, she has been a tireless volunteer at The Presbyterian Church of Saint David and in organizations both provincially and nationally which serve mentally-challenged athletes and the disabled community. In recognition of her leadership in these types of organizations, St. Thomas University conferred on her a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) in 1991.

In 2005 she was among the first recipients of The President?s Award for Exemplary Service. Last month as chair of the Launch Committee of the Capital Campaign she played a significant role in the very successful events of 21st September 2006.

In retirement (June 2005) she has maintained a close tie with Saint Mary's by serving as it?s Protocol Officer (part-time).