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Professor and Chair, Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Dr. Gefu Wang-Pruski has been a staple on campus since she first joined as an NSAC faculty member in 1999. Her devotion to advancing the institution, research, student well-being and the agriculture industry over the past 25 years is seemingly tireless. Along with her position as professor and researcher, she has filled the role of Plant, Food & Environmental Sciences department chair, academic advisor, dean of the FAFU Overseas Education College, and acting dean and campus principal of the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Campus.

Gefu has been an indispensable resource for the Faculty of Agriculture’s international relations, hosting many visiting scholars and sitting on the coordinating committee for the Faculty of Agriculture’s articulation agreement with the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry university, of which she has been a vital component since its inception.

But most importantly, Gefu wants nothing more than for every student at the AC to succeed, academically and otherwise, and will do anything in her power to enable that success.

Former Professor and Chair, Department of Engineering
Dr. Peter Havard served as a professor in the Department of Engineering from 1977-2023, making him the longest-serving faculty member on campus. Over that time he also served multiple stints as department chair. Taking this role on more than once speaks to the kind of person he is – diligent, patient, and more than anything, committed.

There was much change at the AC over Peter’s career, but at least one thing remained the same: his care for his students. Peter was one of the first professors that engineering students encounter in their first year, and it did not take long for students to begin viewing him as a fatherly figure. He was approachable and kind, always excited to answer their questions, and his interest in student learning went beyond the classroom.

Peter retired in 2023 after 46 years of service to NSAC and Dal AC.

Senior Instructor, Manager, WIL Programs, and Cross Country Running Coach
Joy Galloway-Jones has proven time and time again that she is dedicated to student success on the Agricultural Campus. She is an advocate for students in the classroom, in athletics, and in their future careers. As the manager of Work Integrated Learning programs on campus, a position which she originated in 2017, she has worked to help students network and create meaningful connections in the agricultural industry, many of which have led to students jumpstarting their careers in agriculture.

On top of her day job, Joy is also the Dal AC advisor for the World University Services of Canada, commonly known as WUSC, and is probably best known for being the very dedicated coach of Dal AC’s very successful cross country running team, which she established in 2009. The cross country team is one of the most decorated varsity teams in Dal AC’s history in the ACAA, with many individual podium finishes and several league titles. Joy has also been named ACAA Coach of the Year more than once during her tenure with the team, an award voted on by all coaches in the league.

Former Dean and Campus Principal; former Senior Instructor, Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture
Drs. David and Janine Gray arrived on campus with their family in 2013, when the merger with �������� was in its infancy. Over the following decade, they immersed themselves in campus culture and beyond, providing excitement and optimism during an uncertain time.

As an administrator, David far surpassed the level of involvement of any dean or president in recent memory, both from a student and an alumni perspective. From Orientation through to Convocation and beyond, he was exceptionally present in the lives of students and alumni. He was approachable and down-to-earth and knew an astounding number of students by name. Janine was one of the most well-loved instructors on campus, keeping the interests and needs of her students top of mind in all her lectures and labs – of which there were many. She also worked hard to bring new opportunities to students in animal-related programs. With her support and guidance, the bioveterinary science program, now the highest uptake program on campus, was established in 2016.

David and Janine would do anything if it was for the good of our campus community during their time here. They moved on from the Faculty of Agriculture in 2023 to pursue their academic careers in Ontario. 

Senior Instructor, Department of Engineering
Dr. Jin Yue has been a staple to student success on the Agricultural Campus since January 2009. “Jin,” as students call him, is a senior instructor in the Department of Engineering who always strives to help his students succeed. He teaches calculus to many of the first-year students, which can often be a challenging course. Despite the course content, he’s known for his great sense of humour and ability to make his lectures enjoyable for every student.  An approachable and outgoing professor, Jin ensures that his students understand difficult concepts and are aware of the various services available to enrich their knowledge and understanding. 

Former Professor, Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture
Arriving at NSAC in the 80’s, Dr. Derek Anderson was instrumental in putting together the Animal Science and Aquaculture Programs and advocating for teaching and research needs throughout the department. One of his first tasks was contributing to the design and development of Haley Institute and hiring adequate staff.

Throughout his career, Dr. Anderson established a network of people from various industries, government and institutes. Dr. Anderson was always effective at merging these networks and connecting our campus, including students, to collaborate interests.

As a teacher, Dr. Anderson had a special way with his students. Retired in 2015, he treated them all with a great deal of respect and professionalism – regarding them as professionals and not just students. 

Former Associate Dean, Academic
Students, staff and alumni alike are often shocked to hear that Dr. Claude Caldwell did not attend NSAC as a student, so engrained was he in the community here. For 33 years, Dr. Caldwell was not only a constant presence on campus but left a lasting impact which few can rival.

Retired in 2017, Dr. Caldwell was a memorable instructor encountered by degree students, a former department chair, a champion of international collaboration and an impactful soccer coach, both to men and women. 

Dr. Caldwell’s institutional memory and academic vision was instrumental in guiding the Agricultural Campus since merging with ��������. The exceptional amount of academic development that occurred within the faculty since merger can be attributed largely to his vision, guidance, dedication and perseverance. New programs, partnerships, and collaboration with other academic departments within �������� were just a few of his accomplishments as Associate Dean Academic.

Former Assistant Dean, Students & Academic Administration 
Dedicating over ten years to student success, Dr. Keltie Jones was always a familiar and welcoming face among students. Keltie took the time to contribute to campus in a way few others do. She gained the respect and trust of all students, many of whom looked to her in times of struggle, seeking life advice on education, employment or personal matters. Whether weighing the pros and cons of the situation at hand, providing guidance to support services, or sharing previous experiences, Keltie always ensured students received the guidance and support they needed.

In 2019, Keltie left the Faculty of Agriculture to pursue her career in Ontario. 

Former Chartwells Food Services Manager and former Chartwells Chef
Julie Fowler and Victor MacKinnon both played a vital role in the student experience at the Agricultural Campus for many years. The dedication and commitment they displayed toward campus daily went above and beyond their job descriptions. Together they had a tremendous impact not only on the lives of students living in residence at the AC, but the staff, faculty, alumni, community members and guests.

With a full team of staff behind them, they would be the first to try and defer the credit. Julie and Victor’s sense of leadership allowed them to manage an incredible team and their creative minds always ensured the best possible experience for everyone, while their sense of humour and kindness always left everyone around them feeling warm and welcome. Victor retired in 2018 and Julie moved on to a new career in 2021.

Office Manager, �������� Agricultural Students' Association
Patricia Jeffcock managed to keep alive AC traditions and spirit during a time of change. Patricia has been a part of campus for more than two decades and has served as a constant source of knowledge, even as students come and go.

She can be on the phone haggling for a cheaper bus for student activities and in the next moment, be carting students off to the hospital. She will march up to Enrolment Services with students to clear up issues or go out of her way to clarify problems and find solutions. Pat has supported our students for years, even after they graduate. 

Former Director of Athletics
Judy Smith spent her career contributing to university sport in her community and at NSAC/Dal AC. Twice named president of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA), she also filled the role of basketball convener, women’s development committee member, vice-president of programs and vice-president of governance within the same organization.

Judy served as NSAC’s dean of women, health services officer and coordinator of women’s athletics for 18 years, before taking over the athletic director’s role in 1994. She retired in 2018.

Former Executive Director, Development & External Relations
Jim Goit made significant contributions to agriculture in NS during his 35 years with the province. The last 11 years of his career were spent leading NSAC’s Development & External Relations team – he grew the team, responsible for communications, marketing, alumni relations and fundraising, from two employees to six. Jim developed NSAC’s first website and made great strides advancing NSAC’s fundraising portfolio. Through his strong relationships and networks, he was deeply connected to alumni of NSAC. Jim retired in 2012 and passed away in 2020.

Former Alumni Engagement Manager, Faculty of Agriculture
Alisha Johnson is the real reason the Barley Ring exists. Alisha recognized the need for a unifying symbol for NSAC alumni and it was she who carried the project through to the unfathomable success it is today. To quote the Students’ Union Executive (at the time of her nomination), Alisha “exhibits a deep sense of pride in NSAC, the ring design, and what it stands for. She is an excellent ambassador of NSAC and granting the privilege to wear the ring as an honorary alum would serve as a tangible token of the dedication and pride that she has for the campus community.”

Former Facility Supervisor, Langille Athletic Centre
Nominated by students for his countless years of dedication to the Agricultural Campus Theatre Society (ACTS) and to athletics, Kent Loughead proudly received the first Honorary Barley Ring in April 2010 at the inaugural Barley Party. Kent retired from NSAC in 2010.