The title of professor emeritus is bestowed on retiring faculty who have contributed significantly to the university community, demonstrating sustained and continued involvement in furthering the university’s mission.
At our spring convocation, we celebrated two Mount Saint Vincent University professors who were nominated for this special recognition by their peers.
Dr. Ardra Cole, Faculty of Education
Since joining MSVU in 2011 as Associate Vice-President, Academic and Research, and later serving as a faculty member in the Lifelong Learning graduate Education program, Dr. Ardra Cole has advanced graduate education and interdisciplinary scholarship at MSVU, distinguished by her contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership.
An internationally respected scholar, Dr. Cole’s research has focused on arts-informed and qualitative research methodologies, adult education, and issues related to aging, including elder care and older adult-canine relationships. Her work has helped deepen understanding of the needs of older adults and contributed to emerging models of care, while also championing innovative approaches to research and teaching through the arts.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Cole has served as Coordinator of the Interuniversity PhD Program in Educational Studies, supervised dozens of graduate students, and contributed to numerous doctoral and master’s committees. Her commitment to student success is further reflected in her founding of Art/Research International: A Transdisciplinary Journal, which provides valuable publishing opportunities for emerging scholars.
She is also notably the founder of ElderDog Canada, a charitable organization dedicated to ageing people, ageing dogs, and the important connection they enjoy.
With an outstanding record of scholarly achievement—including numerous books, peer-reviewed articles, and presentations—Dr. Cole has made lasting contributions to both academic knowledge and public awareness.
Dr. Arthur McCalla, Departments of History and Philosophy/Religious Studies
Over his 22-year career at MSVU, Dr. Arthur McCalla has made lasting contributions to the Departments of Philosophy/Religious Studies and History. Starting in 2004 as a part-time instructor, Dr. McCalla was appointed Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Religious Studies a year later. In 2011, he was cross appointed to the Department of History and in 2013 was promoted to Full Professor.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. McCalla’s research focuses on the historiography of religion, with particular attention to the intellectual and cultural shifts of early nineteenth-century France. His work explores how the rise of historical thinking challenged traditional religious claims and reshaped modern understandings of religion and society. He is the author of four books, including Religion and the Post-revolutionary Mind: Idéologues, Catholic Traditionalists, and Liberals in France, and has contributed extensively to scholarly discourse through peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. His research excellence has been supported by major grants, including funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Beyond his scholarship, Dr. McCalla has demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic leadership and service. He has held key roles within both the Religious Studies and History departments, including serving as Chair of each, and has contributed widely across the university through committee work, including Senate. His teaching portfolio includes more than 20 courses, alongside graduate and undergraduate thesis supervision, through which he has mentored and supported students in their academic and research pursuits.
Dr. McCalla’s designation as Professor Emeritus reflects a career defined by intellectual rigour, academic leadership, and a deep commitment to the MSVU community. His contributions have not only enriched his field of study but have also strengthened the university’s research profile and academic excellence.
The appointment of Dr. Cole and Dr. McCalla as Professors Emeriti recognizes their distinguished careers characterized by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to the MSVU community and beyond.
Congratulations to Dr. Cole and Dr. McCalla!