Convocation 2024 Honourees

Dr. Robert Strang to Receive Honourary Degree at AST Convocation

Halifax, NS – During Convocation ceremonies on May 4, 2024, Atlantic School of Theology (AST) will award a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, to Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Nova Scotia. Dr. Strang is being recognized for his leadership in the public health system and his work to support better health for Nova Scotian families and communities. 

		Dr. Robert Strang Dr. Robert Strang was appointed Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) for Nova Scotia in August 2007. Prior to that, he received a medical degree from University of British Columbia (UBC) and completed Family Practice and Community Medicine residencies at UBC. He became Associate Medical Officer of Health in South Fraser Health, BC, from 1997 to 1999. In 1999, he moved to Halifax to become Medical Officer of Health for Capital District Health Authority. He later became acting provincial Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health prior to his CMOH appointment. As CMOH, Dr. Strang provides leadership around the renewal of the public health system in Nova Scotia and raises awareness around the importance of creating policies and environments that support better health for Nova Scotian families and communities. He also has the distinction of leading Nova Scotia through two pandemics, H1N1 and COVID-19. Dr. Strang is passionate about public health and has worked with non-government organizations such as Smoke Free Nova Scotia, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Public Health Association of Nova Scotia. He also has an adjunct appointment with Dalhousie University in the Department of Community Health, and Epidemiology. Dr. Strang has been open about his Christian faith and how this influences his work to support healthier communities. He and his wife, Stephanie, are members of Fall River Chapel.

Dr. Robert Strang will give the address at AST’s 2024 Convocation, which takes place Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax.

In addition to the above-noted honourary degree, AST will also recognize Gracey Southwell, CMA, CP, as an Associate of Atlantic School of Theology in recognition of her long-time commitment and outstanding service on behalf of AST.

		Gracey Southwell Gracey Southwell is a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Professional Accountant (CMA, CPA), who retired after 30 years of dedicated service from MT&T and Bell Aliant (Telecommunication Services in Nova Scotia); she held senior-level positions in a variety of financial accounting and operations areas. Ms. Southwell holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University. Ms. Southwell is an active Roman Catholic and a member of Saint Ignatius Parish in Bedford. Gracey served two consecutive 3-year terms on the AST Board of Governors and completed her last term as Chair of the AST Finance Committee in June 2023. Gracey served as Director on the following boards in the past, including the United Way Tomorrow Fund, QEII Foundation, Clean Nova Scotia, Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Voluntary Planning, Board of Governors for Saint Mary’s University, United Way of Halifax, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and Help Line Society. In her retirement, she enjoys travelling, golf and reading.

Located on the Northwest Arm in Halifax, Nova Scotia, AST is recognized as one of the finest theological universities in North America, educating students for the ethical and theological challenges of today's world.