University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada 18 April 1997

From the North Saskatchewan to the Annapolis Valley

Allan Tupper accepts VP academic position at Acadia University

By Michael Robb

Acadia's gain is the U of A's loss. Dr. Allan Tupper, a respected political scientist well-known for his analysis of political issues in this province and Canada, has accepted the vice-president (academic) position at Nova Scotia's Acadia University. The U of A's associate vice-president (government relations) will assume his new duties on Canada Day this year.

"I've enjoyed my years here [over 20] and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead," he said earlier this week. Acadia is a smaller university with a whole-student focus, and is one of the most advanced on the continent in its integration of computer technology and learning-the so-called "Acadia Advantage."

He will also be a member of the University's small, vibrant political science department. Among his new colleagues will be Greg Pyrcz, who earned his PhD from the University of Alberta. Tupper doesn't believe he will be doing much teaching in the beginning. "My workload is going to be heavy," he said, pointing out that Acadia has a small administration.

Tupper chaired the U of A's political science department and was the associate dean in the Faculty of Arts. In 1995, he was appointed the U of A's first associate vice-president (government relations), where he was responsible for developing relationships between the University and the three levels of government.

Tupper earned a Master of Arts in Public Administration at Carleton University and a doctoral degree in Political Studies from Queen's University.

Acadia University is primarily an undergraduate institution, with about 4,000 full- and part-time students. Founded in 1838, it is located in Wolfville.

It has consistently been ranked among the top primarily undergraduate universities in the annual Maclean's magazine ranking.

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