Over 100 people filled seats in St. Thomas University’s Kinsella Auditorium on Oct. 18 to watch Nauman Farooqi get installed as the fourteenth President and Vice-Chancellor in the university’s history.
Joining Farooqi on stage was the Chancellor of STU Hon. Graydon Nicholas, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Brenda Murphy, chair of STU’s board of governors David Ferguson and STUSU President Ellie Namit.
“It seems like my wedding day, I have no control whatsoever and everybody is telling me what to do,” joked Farooqi at the beginning of his speech after being installed.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the board of governors for their confidence, the faculty at St. Thomas University for their dedication and to the students that inspire all that we do,” said Farooqi.
Members of Farooqi’s immediate family were in attendance during the hour-long installation. Attendees included notable members of the community, faculty members who traveled from other institutions around the country, as well as STU faculty members, students and staff.
“My family has been my greatest source of strength, my constant and my inspiration. This achievement belongs just as much to all of you as it does to me,” said Farooqi.
People of note in attendance were Canadian Senator David Adams Richards, Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, newly re-elected MLA and leader of N.B.’s Green Party David Coon as well as Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers.
Ellie Namit congratulated Farooqi on his installation on behalf of the more than 1,600 students enrolled at STU.
“We are excited to work alongside and support your vision as we continue to build a community centred on mutual respect, learning and collective growth at St. Thomas,” said Namit.
Jenica Atwin expressed her support for Farooqi in his new role and looks forward to seeing how he will “strengthen the bonds” between STU and the wider community.
“Today we’re not just welcoming a new President, we’re embracing a new vision,” said Atwin. “Your leadership will be crucial in fostering an environment that encourages innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep commitment to social responsibility.”
Farooqi was appointed as the university’s President and Vice Chancellor on July 1, 2023, the beginning of a five-year appointment in the role.
Before coming to STU, Farooqi spent 23 years as the dean of business and social sciences at Mount Allison University in Sackville.
In January 2024 Farooqi kicked off the process for a new strategic plan for the university that will be in affect from 2025-2030. The previous strategic plan ended in 2019.
Related: STU moves forward with framework for newest strategic plan
When talking about his experience with the university thus far, Farooqi had nothing but positive remarks towards his time.
“St. Thomas University is indeed a gem, a gem like many before me, I have come to admire, appreciate and now have the privilege to help polish and help shine even brighter,” said Farooqi. “There is a spirit here. A sense of purpose, of pride and most importantly of belonging.”
Looking forward, Farooqi is confident that STU will be able to overcome future challenges “stronger and more unified than ever.”
“We are charged with reimagining the future of this university. We must be bold, we must be innovative and we must be unafraid to adapt in order to continue delivering an education that is not only relevant, but also transformative for both the individual, as well as society,” said Farooqi.
