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As part of our New to Dal 2025Ìýcelebrations, we are excited to introduce you to some of the friendly faces you’ll encounter on campus. These are the people who help make our community vibrant, welcoming, and ready to support you on your journey at the Faculty of Agriculture.

Dean and Campus Principal Dr. Heather Bruce

Where are you from?Ìý Smiths Falls, Ontario, but most recently from Edmonton, Alberta

What do you do at Dal? I am the Dean and Campus Principal and so I manage and lead the faculty and manage the campus

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?Ìý I get to work with wonderful and amazing people who are students and staff. Working with students and colleagues is the most satisfying part of the job.

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýÌýI would say to remember that everything gets better so keep going and to take every opportunity to meet new people.

What do you like to do in your spare time?Ìý Right now, I watch limited series shows on the various streaming services.

Gillian Hatch, Student Success & Engagement Advisor, Class of 2013

Where are you from?ÌýI was born and raised in a small rural community on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore called West Quoddy. It's about 15 minutes outside of Sheet Harbour, and still technically part of the HRM, despite being a hour and a half drive outside of Dartmouth.Ìý

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI work in the Student Success Centre as a Student Success & Engagement Advisor. I support students with course registration, academic advising, deliver the campus leadership program, organize our New to Dal orientation program and support content creation for the DalAC Student Life Instagram account.Ìý

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?ÌýMy favourite part about working on campus is meeting new students and working with them throughout their academic journey.

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýAsk questions! Connect with an advisor!Ìý

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýI've been a volunteer with Colchester Ground Search & Rescue since 2022. The woods is my favourite place to be! I can usually be found in Victoria Park with my husky, Nani, most evenings and weekends, and I try to get at least one thru-hiking trip in a year.Ìý

Jeanne RutledgeÌýAdministrative Assistant Student Success Centre

Where are you from?ÌýI was born and raised here in Truro!

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI'm the Administrative Assistant at the Student Success Centre! I keep things running behind the scenes, and help out with different programming. You can drop by our office at the Dairy Building to check out our services and say "Hello!"Ìý

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?ÌýI love the sense of community here. When I go for a walk, I'll run into students and staff who I know by name. Also - the fact that I get to drive by a field of cows on my way to and from work. I love the animals.ÌýÌý

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýBe mindful and take care of yourself - there's so much to do here on campus. Academics are important, but make sure you find time to enjoy yourself and decompress. If you find you're struggling, don't hesitate to access the resources available to you.

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýI love the outdoors - if you find me hiking outside, I'm probably also carrying my camera, or looking for a spot to set up and do some plein air painting. I also love live music and stand-up comedy. :)Ìý

Caitlyn Hutchison, Class of 2010ÌýAssistant Director, AC Campus Housing & Campus Connections.

Where are you from?ÌýI grew up in Noel Shore, NS and moved to Nine Mile River, NS at the beginning of grade 11 before coming to NSAC. I now call Bible Hill home.

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI'm the Assistant Director, AC Campus Housing & Campus Connections. That's a long title, but breaks down into being responsible for the residence facilities - making sure they are safe and comfortable, supporting residence life, overseeing and supporting Event & Conference Services and summer accommodations, and managing the food services contract on campus.Ìý

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?ÌýI absolutely love the community here. It's amazing to work collaboratively with my colleagues and support each other. I also love getting to connect with students and watching and helping them succeed.Ìý

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýGet involved in your community. There are so many opportunities that are available to you while you're here, take advantage of every new experience that you can.Ìý

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýI usually fill up every moment of spare time I have with gardening - I run a small flower farm & cut flower business, supporting my daughter at cheer and at the ball field, reading, and spending time with my husband, other family & friends.Ìý

Colette Wyllie, Alumni Engagement Manager, Class of 2010

Where are you from?ÌýI grew up in Lower Debert, Nova Scotia and now call Truro home. I’m very lucky to have Victoria Park as a next-door neighbour.

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI’m the Alumni Engagement Manager for the Faculty of Agriculture, which means I get to spend my days working with all the fantastic people who went to school here. I love my job!

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?ÌýI have always loved the size of our campus – big enough to provide variety in landscape and infrastructure, but small enough to make it possible to get to know everyone. The AC is a special place and that’s because of all the wonderful people who work and study here.

But I also want to show some love for the gardens, which for me come as a close second to the people. I feel so fortunate to have such beautiful gardens right beside me every single day and try to make as much use of them as I can!

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýTry new things. Every year. This is the time and the place to do it.

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýI love to travel, read, track down delicious food and spend time outdoors – whether that’s hiking, camping, or simply puttering around my yard.

Jason Grant, Class of 2011 and 2013 Manager Cultiv8 -Ìý the AC's Innovation Sandbox.Ìý

Where are you from? I grew up in Southside Big Baddeck, Cape Breton

What do you do at Dal? I manage Cultiv8 -Ìý the AC's Innovation Sandbox.Ìý That mostly consists of a student-run vegetable production farm (at 77 Pictour Rd) and a value-added food product development program, called Cultiv8 CHEF.Ìý Those two entities make up a field-to-fork, value-added food product development entrepreneurship pipeline 🙂

What is your favorite part about working at the AC? I enjoy seeing students grow over their time on campus, I enjoy the good people I work with, and I enjoy working with others to make good things happen!

What is one piece of advice you would give students? Try new things, ask lots of questions, look for opportunities!

What do you like to do in your spare time? Hike, Bike, read, play music, woodworking, and cooking!

Ashley Coffin, Coordinator Truro Start program, Class of 2007

Where are you from? Hammonds Plains, NS

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI hold a few positions on campus.Ìý I am the Coordinator/Advisor of the Truro Start program (full-time), Don of Chapman House (part-time), Line Dancing Instructor every Thursday night at the Langille Athletic Centre.

What is your favorite part about working at the AC? I get the opportunity to work with some amazing colleagues.Ìý I also love meeting new students and watching them succeed.

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýYour academic path may change, and that's ok! Connecting with your academic advisor early will help you navigate your road to pilipiliÂþ»­.Ìý

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýWhen I'm not working you will most likely find me at the barn hanging out with my horse, Dollar. He's the best!

Jonathan Wang - Coordinator- Operations, Marketing and Facilities, Langille Athletic Centre

Where are you from? - Halifax, NS    

What do you do at Dal? - Manage the Langille Athletic Centre in addition toÌývarsity operations and marketing.

What is your favorite part about working at the AC? - The campus community and helping students achieve their goals.Ìý The short commute is nice too.

What is one piece of advice you would give students? Don't follow the crowd, talk to your professors, talk to the staff, find new opportunities and explore them.Ìý

What do you like to do in your spare time? - What's spare time?

Jean Lynds, Class of 1990 and Operations Manager, Farm

Where are you from?ÌýGrew up on a small dairy farm on the North Shore of NS and currently live in North River, NS

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI am the Operations Manager for our campus farm which includes dairy, sheep, poultry, crops and a feed mill.

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?ÌýThe people. The AC provides a unique campus experience and our students faculty, staff, alumni and community all contribute to the energy behind the many opportunities including academic programs, athletics, DASA clubs and activities and of course our campus farm!

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýThe transition to university is exciting but can also be an overwhelming and anxious time. Time management and striking the balance between your studies and extracurricular activities will be important. ÌýAsk if you need help with something – that’s what we are here for!

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýI enjoy sports and am a huge Toronto Blue Jays fan. GO JAYS!

Carolyn Bartlett, Primary Care Manager for the Student Health & Wellness

Where are you from? I'veÌýlived in many places. Originally born in Cape Breton, presently live in Biblehill Nova Scotia.Ìý

What do you do at Dal?ÌýI am the Primary Care Manager for the Student Health & Wellness clinic located in the Dairy Building on campus with two other registered nurses and one great physician.Ìý

I also am the liason for Dalhousie (Truro & Halifax campuses) with Public Health for any infectious disease that impacts either campus (students, staff or faculty).

What is your favorite part about working at the AC?ÌýThe people (students, staff & faculty). Where we are a smaller in size/ closer knit community- you have the opportunity to meet and know the people of DalAC .Ìý

What is one piece of advice you would give students?ÌýAcademics are important. Learning to balance your schedule is too - time for academics and social interests. Take care of yourself -physical & mental health.

Take the time to become involved in all of campus life. Meet people, enjoy your time here and if you need help - ask! There are many health (& academic) supports on your campus use them or come see us in Student Success to help you navigate any of your concerns.Ìý

What do you like to do in your spare time?ÌýGo for walks in Victoria Park/ cobequid trails. Travel. Spend time with family & friends. Love looking after my two grandchildren (5 & 2 yrs).Ìý