Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts has been honoured by the Province of Nova Scotia for his dedication to the field of education.

At an investiture ceremony held at Government House on October 18, 2022, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented Dr. Ricketts with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of his leadership in higher education.

“I am honoured to be recognized by our Province for my life’s work,” says Dr. Ricketts. “It has been my privilege to help others acquire knowledge through education, research, and experience, and I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who share my commitment.”

The commemorative medal is presented in honour of the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s succession to the throne. It is awarded to residents of Nova Scotia who have made significant contributions to Canada, Nova Scotia, their community, or their fellow citizens.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ricketts has demonstrated a dedication to advancing education, both as a professor of geography and as an administrator. He is also internationally recognized for his expertise in coastal zones and ocean management.

Dr. Ricketts joined Acadia in 2017 as its 16th President and Vice-Chancellor. During his tenure, the University raised $86.8 million during its most successful fundraiser, Campaign for Acadia; completed extensive strategic planning to develop Acadia 2025; forged unique partnerships with the Town of Wolfville, Glooscap First Nations, and the Valley African Nova Scotian Association; and became a signatory to the Scarborough Charter, Dimensions Charter, and the UN Sustainability Goals.

In addition, through a close working relationship with Public Health and campus collaboration, Acadia was one of only a few universities in Canada that maintained in-person learning and living during the global pandemic.  

Dr. Ricketts currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Atlantic University Sports, EduNova Co-operative, and Maple League Presidents’ Council. He also serves on several other boards, including the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents, U SPORTS, the Atlantic Association of Universities, the International Coastal and Ocean Organization, the Coastal Zone Canada Association, and the TD Insurance Advisory Board on Climate Change.