Ethan Kelloway has distinguished himself through academic excellence, research achievement, leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting others.
A highly engaged member of the MSVU community, Ethan has contributed in numerous roles across campus, including Resident Assistant, Residence Life Liaison, Accessibility Services Support Student, MSVU chapter lead for Jack.org, and research assistant in Family Science and Developmental Psychology. Beyond MSVU, he has volunteered with the YMCA and supported community organizations focused on youth development and well-being.
Admired by faculty, staff, and peers alike for his professionalism, compassion, warmth, and intellectual curiosity, Ethan embodies the values of MSVU.
Ethan will deliver his valedictory address during the fall 2026 convocation on Sunday, October 18 at 9:30 a.m. You can watch the ceremony via MSVU’s Facebook and YouTube pages. We asked Ethan to tell us more about his time at MSVU and what’s next for him. Read on to learn more about Ethan.
Hometown: Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia
Current city/town: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Degree being awarded: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with a minor in Family Science
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment from your time at MSVU?
There are so many proud moments at MSVU! My proudest accomplishment must be raising over $3,500 for Phoenix Youth Programs through fundraising efforts as the lead of MSVU’s Jack.org chapter. Jack.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to destigmatizing and supporting youth mental health, which is why we wanted to give back to youth in our community through an organization which supports youth!
Q. What/who is your most memorable class, professor, project or learning activity? Why?
I really had so many interesting classes though my time studying psychology at MSVU but I would have to say that doing my honors thesis (PSYC 4499) was the most memorable. It took everything that I am learning in my program and asked me to apply all of it! During your honours thesis you are asked to work with a faculty member to design and carry out a research study. I chose to explore if our sense of community when we are adults can be predicted by our levels of empathy and compassion towards others when we are children. This process was so rewarding because I got to learn first-hand how an idea turns into to a completed study that you get to share with the world. Additionally, you get to look at findings that no one has seen before and you must figure out what they mean. I have never thought harder in my life to date! The whole process was just so much fun and has helped me become a better researcher.
Q. What is your favourite MSVU memory?
My favourite memory during my time at MSVU was having the opportunity to travel out of province twice for the Science Atlantic Psychology conference, where I presented my research. It was so rewarding to communicate my research and feel like I was contributing to scientific knowledge! I also enjoyed connecting with other students from MSVU and beyond.
Q. What kept you motivated during challenging moments?
It takes a lot to keep yourself motivated, especially when life as a student feels like it is always going at the speed of a bullet. However, whenever I felt discouraged, I always took a step back and asked myself to look at the larger picture and purpose of why I’m here. For me, I feel that my larger purpose is to support the mental health of the children and families in my community. And each challenging part of my life at that moment, from preparing for an important exam or paper to managing the complexities of life, is one more step towards enabling me to best support my community’s mental health.
Q. What value or lesson from your time at MSVU will you carry forward?
A lesson passed on to me by faculty at MSVU is to always be curious and critical. This has become an important part of my everyday but is already especially useful in my master’s program. It has also influenced my interactions with others, making me more open minded while still critically evaluating the information I’m taking in. Even more, it’s a skill I will always be learning!
Q. Do you have any advice for students just starting out?
My advice for all students would be to ask questions, ask questions, then ask some more questions! Whether its asking questions to clarify assignment guidelines, asking questions to expand your knowledge, or asking questions to get to know others, questions can be about anything. No question is a bad question when asked with genuine curiosity. I’ve asked more questions than I’ve answered, but I never let it hold me back!
Q. What’s next for you?
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study at MSVU! And anything I can do to support the mental health and wellbeing of youth and families in my community.
Q. What’s a small joy that got you through your degree?
A small everyday joy was / is the waves you get when you pass people in the hallway. We are lucky to have a friendly community where everybody knows each other!