Mount Allison University

Mount Allison University is a non-profit, primarily undergraduate liberal arts institution located in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. It holds a business registration number of 107726820RR0001.

History

Mount Allison traces its roots to 1839 when Charles Frederick Allison, a Sackville merchant, proposed the creation of a school for elementary and higher learning. The university's origins are steeped in the Methodist faith, initially designed to prepare men for the ministry and provide education for lay members. Classes began on January 19, 1843, at the Wesleyan Academy for boys. In 1858, the New Brunswick Legislature authorized the establishment of a degree-conferring institution, which became known as the Mount Allison Wesleyan College.

Achievements

Mount Allison was the first university in the British Empire to award a baccalaureate degree to a woman, Grace Annie Lockhart, who received a Bachelor of Science in 1875. It was also the first Canadian university to grant a Bachelor of Arts degree to a woman, which was awarded to Harriet Starr Stewart in 1887. Additionally, Mount Allison pioneered several educational innovations, including being the first university art gallery in Canada (the Owens Art Gallery), offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1941, and launching a Canadian Studies program.

Academic Programs

Mount Allison University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including a major, honours, and minor in History. The History department provides courses in Canadian, American, European, and Asian history, focusing on themes such as class and gender, wealth and poverty, faith and science, and government and politics. The university is recognized for its commitment to fostering critical thinking and intellectual rigor, preparing students for diverse careers, including teaching, law, and public administration.

Notable Alumni and Affiliations

Mount Allison University has produced notable alumni, including politicians and historians. The university is affiliated with the United Church and has maintained a strong tradition of innovation and educational excellence.