Michael Durland, who has invested in some of Halifax’s leading startups, has been named the new Chancellor of St. Mary’s University, succeeding Paul D. Sobey.

Durland is best known as the former Group Head and CEO of Global Banking and Markets for Scotiabank. Since he retired from Scotiabank in 2016, he has been increasingly active in entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada, investing in startups and donating to SMU and its Masters of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.

“As an institution, we are incredibly honoured and proud that Michael Durland is taking on the role of Chancellor of the University,” said SMU President Robert Summerby-Murray in a statement.  “His long and successful career in corporate Canada and as an entrepreneur and investor positions him as an excellent role model and inspiration for our students and our community.”

Durland is taking on the role at SMU as the university is increasing its focus on entrepreneurship. As well as the MTEI program, the university is offering more curriculum in entrepreneurship across all faculties, not just in the business school.  

In 2015, Durland and his wife Catherine teamed up with Scotiabank to make a $1.5 million donation to the MTEI program. The university offers the Mike and Catherine Durland Scholarships to students, and the pool of capital that supports founders within MTEI is the Durland Innovation Fund.

“Every time I walk through the front door of Saint Mary’s, I see a group of passionate students and professors thinking beyond the problems of today to what is on the horizon,” said Durland. “The university’s innovative, interdisciplinary approach to learning, teaching and research places them on the forefront of educating the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. To serve as Chancellor at this special university that has played such a critical role in my life and for my family is an honour.”

Durland is a key investor in and Chair of the Board of TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture, which aims to become the leading vertical farming company in North America. He has also invested in LifeRaft, which helps companies and organizations detect threats on the internet, and Peer Ledger, which uses blockchain to help organizations uphold their social values.

Disclosure: St. Mary's is a client of Entrevestor.