Church Point (NS), November 5, 2026 - Université Sainte-Anne is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard J. Melanson as Chair of its Board of Governors. With a distinguished career in law, public governance, and community service, Mr. Melanson is widely recognized for his leadership and commitment to Acadian communities in Nova Scotia. He was first appointed to the Board of Governors in 2022.
Originally from Corberrie, Nova Scotia, he holds a Bachelor of Arts (1981) and a Bachelor of Education (1983) from Université Sainte-Anne. He is also a graduate of the Dalhousie University Faculty of Law (1988).
He currently serves as a member of the Nova Scotia Energy Board, the successor to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. Prior to his appointment to the Board in 2016, he practiced law in Halifax for 27 years with the firm Blois Nickerson & Bryson LLP, where he developed extensive expertise in administrative law, including serving as legal counsel to the Board for approximately 25 years.
His legal practice also included corporate and small business law, real estate law, and bankruptcy and insolvency law.
“With his deep understanding of Université Sainte-Anne and his extensive experience in law, governance, and public service, Richard Melanson will bring exceptional insight and thoughtful leadership that will greatly contribute to the advancement of our institution.”
— Kenneth Deveau, President and Vice-Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne
Richard has been highly involved in the legal community, having served as a commissioner with the Nova Scotia Law Reform Commission. He currently chairs its successor organization, the Institute for Access to Justice and Law Reform. He is also an active member of the Canadian Association of Members of Public Utility Tribunals (CAMPUT), serving on its Education Committee and Mandatory Reliability Standards Committee.
Richard also served on the board of directors of the Association des juristes d’expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse (AJEFNÉ). Over the years, he has volunteered with numerous professional and community organizations, including as chair of the Discipline Committee of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers’ Board of Examiners. He also served as Treasurer of Canadian Parents for French (Nova Scotia).
Université Sainte-Anne is pleased to welcome Mr. Melanson to his new role. Members of the community are invited to meet him and the other members of the Board of Governors at a reception at Le Château on Friday, November 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information about the Board of Governors, please visit the Université Sainte-Anne website.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Rachelle LeBlanc, Director of Communications and Public Affaires
Université Sainte-Anne
Tél. : 902-260-5069
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