Reevaluating Leadership Decisions

Upholding Acadia University's Core Values

Acadia University , nestled in the Town of Wolfville , Nova Scotia, has long been a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement. The institution's strategic plan, Acadia 2025, outlines a vision of transformative education, emphasizing values such as caring for students, educating the whole person, and fostering community engagement.

A Disruptive Decision

In February 2025, on a Sunday evening less than two weeks before the championship event of the season, Acadia University President, Jeff Hennessy, VP Student Experience Scott Duguay , Athletic Director Brian Finniss, and VP Finance Erin Beaudin announced the permanent closure of its swimming pool, effective June 15, 2025, to a stunned team and coaching staff.

They cited financial constraints and the facility's deteriorating condition. With this decision, the Varsity Swimming program was discontinued, impacting over 50 student-athletes each year, and community members who relied on the pool for training, recreation, and wellness.

Misalignment with Core Values

This abrupt action raises concerns about the university's commitment to its stated values:

• Caring for Our Students: The sudden announcement left student-athletes in emotional distress, with little support offered to navigate the emotional and logistical challenges that followed.
• Educating the Whole Person: Participation in varsity sports contributes significantly to personal development, teaching discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Removing this opportunity undermines the holistic educational experience Acadia purports to offer.
• Passionate Community Engagement: The pool served not only the university but also the local community, including programs like the Wolfville Tritons and the S.M.I.L.E. initiative. Its closure severs a vital community link, contradicting the university's mission of fostering community engagement.

Financial Considerations vs. Institutional Integrity

While financial prudence is essential, the decision to close the pool was justified by an estimated repair cost of $3 million and an annual operating deficit of $400,000. However, questions arise about the transparency of this financial assessment:

• Why was only one company consulted for the repair estimate?
• Why have user groups been prevented from having access to the facility to provide independent opinions?
• Why were no transparent conversations had around alternative funding options with groups such as the Provincial government or community groups?
• Why are financial reports to validate reported deficits not being shared?

These questions suggest that the financial rationale may not fully account for the decision.

The Call for Leadership Accountability

The swift and unilateral nature of the pool's closure points to a need for leadership reassessment. Effective leaders balance fiscal responsibility with empathy, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to institutional values. The current administration's actions have diminished trust among students, alumni, and the wider community.

Proposed Path Forward

To realign with its core values and restore community trust, Acadia University should consider the following steps:

1. Immediate Reassessment: Suspend the closure decision and establish a task force comprising students, faculty, alumni, and community members to explore all viable options for the pool's future.
2. Financial Transparency: Release detailed financial reports and engage with external auditors to validate repair and operational cost estimates.
3. Community Collaboration: Forge partnerships with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to share the financial and operational responsibilities of maintaining the pool.
4. Leadership Reflection: Engage in a comprehensive review of the decision-making process, emphasizing participatory governance and stakeholder engagement to prevent future misalignments with institutional values.

Conclusion

Acadia University's strength lies in its community and the shared values that bind it. The university can uphold its commitment to student well-being, holistic education, and community engagement by reevaluating recent decisions and embracing a collaborative, transparent approach. This path not only preserves the integrity of Acadia's mission but also ensures that future generations experience the transformative education the institution strives to provide.